Editorial
david sedlacek November/December 2023 n Volume 128 n Issue 6 The Visitor is printed bimonthly and is the official publication of the Columbia Union Conference for the constituents of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Mid-Atlantic area. Our mission is to provide news and information, inspiration for effective ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help engage members in experiencing the mission. Editor and Publisher n Kelly Butler Coe Managing Editor for Print n Ricardo Bacchus Managing Editor for Digital Media n V. Michelle Bernard Art Director and Designer n Kelly Butler Coe Advertising and Circulation Manager n Sandra Jones CONTACT n (410) 997-3414 n visitor@columbiaunion.net columbiaunionvisitor.com FOLLOW US n facebook.com/columbiaunionvisitor n twitter.com/visitornews instagram.com/columbiaunionvisitor SUBSCRIBE n To subscribe, change address or discontinue Visitor mailings, please visit our website and click on subscribe. PUBLISHING BOARD n Dave Weigley (chair), Kelly Butler Coe (secretary), Jorge Aguero, Emmanuel Asiedu, Tim Bailey, Celeste Ryan Blyden, Marvin C. Brown, III, Bob Cundiff, Gary Gibbs, Jerry Lutz, Marcellus T. Robinson, Charles A. Tapp CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Allegheny East n LaTasha Hewitt, visitaec.com Allegheny West n (vacant), awconf.org Chesapeake n Evan Knott, ccosda.org Mountain View n Liz Bailey, mtviewconf.org New Jersey n Stephen Lee, njcsda.org Ohio n Francis Tuffour, ohioadventist.org Pennsylvania n Tamyra Horst, paconference.org Potomac n Debra Anderson, pcsda.org Blue Mountain Academy n Esther Hernandez, bma.us Highland View Academy n Rob Gettys, highlandviewacademy.com Lake Nelson Adventist Academy n Ashley Boggess, lakenelsonacademy.org Pine Forge Academy n Tracey Jackson, pineforgeacademy.org Shenandoah Valley Academy n Janel Haas Ware, shenandoahvalleyacademy.org Spencerville Adventist Academy n Heidi Wetmore, spencervilleacademy.org Spring Valley Academy n Vicki Swetnam, springvalleyacademy.org Takoma Academy n Shaun Robinson, ta.edu Kettering College n Rebecca Ingle, kc.edu Washington Adventist University n Everett Wiles, wau.edu Adventist HealthCare n Anne Biggins, adventisthealthcare.com Kettering Health n Doug Walker, ketteringhealth.org WGTS n Lisa Krueger, wgts919.com
The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two health care networks; early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; community services centers; camp and retreat centers; book and health food stores and a radio media ministry. To learn more about the Columbia Union, visit columbiaunion.org. President n Dave Weigley Executive Secretary n Celeste Ryan Blyden Treasurer n Emmanuel Asiedu Undertreasurer n Tabita Martinez Vice President, Education n Donovan Ross Vice President/General Counsel n Lisa Saveikis Burrow Vice President, Ministries Development n Frank Bondurant Vice President, Multilingual Ministries n Rubén A. Ramos Asst. to the President for Evangelism n José D. Espósito Secretary/Treasurer, Revolving Fund n H. Candace Nurse Director, Communication Services n Kelly Butler Coe Director, Information Technology Services n Greg Iverson Director, Plant Services n Curtis Boore Adventist ® and Seventh-day Adventist ® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ®. n The Visitor is printed and mailed at Pacific Press ® Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho. n Unless otherwise noted, photos and illustrations are reproduced with permission from gettyimages.com.
The Painful Reality of Abuse I was raised on a farm as the oldest boy of 15 children. My parents faithfully attended church, prayed together and instilled positive values of hard work, diligence and respect in us children. I love them for that and will be eternally grateful. However, there was another painful reality that we lived with: emotional abuse and neglect. We were taught that we had to be perfect. When we made a mistake or misbehaved, we were beaten with Dad’s Army belt and publicly shamed in front of the whole family. We were not allowed to have thoughts and opinions that differed from my father’s, unless we wanted to feel his wrath. My mother did her best to take care of our physical needs but was emotionally unavailable. She was in survival mode herself, and was overpowered by my father’s controlling nature. There were no verbal or physical expressions of affection in the home. It didn’t help that I took on much of my mother’s victim mentality— prone to accepting emotional abuse because of the need of attention and distraction from my own pain. Predictably, in my first marriage, I was attracted to a person who was much like my father. I never wanted a divorce, but I must admit that when it happened, I was relieved because the constant barrage of emotional shaming finally came to an end. As the result of my upbringing and first marriage, I tried to be perfect to earn love. I looked to others for affirmation because I did not have a sense of my own value. In doing so, I allowed others to define me. While I loved God the best I knew how, I was also afraid of Him. I feared that if I wasn’t perfect, He was going to be angry and reject me. This deep wariness of Him lurked within my soul.
ONLY GOD IS PERFECT
When I learned that God loves me just the way I am (Jer. 31:3), I could hardly believe it. Today, I continue to grow in my capacity to trust Him and have learned a very important lesson in the process: We need to love others as we love ourselves, not instead of loving ourselves (Matt. 22:39). The greatest gift parents can give to their children is a positive sense of their value and lovability— just the way God intended my life to be from the very beginning. David Sedlacek is a former pastor in the Ohio Conference and currently serves as a senior research professor at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Mich.
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UpFront
v. michelle bernard
TALK TO US!
SWEETEN THE SEASON
Looking for a fun, festive event to host this holiday season? Chesapeake Conference’s Rock Hall (Md.) church is hosting its 13th cookie party this year. Since 2010, members have decorated and baked cookies together with church and community members at the church’s holiday party. Event organizer Vickie Anderson says they planned the event—drawing about 10 to 20 nonmembers—so participants from infancy up to 90 years old can have fun. Attendees also deliver cookies to those who can’t bake for themselves. “It’s great to see all of the smiles on everyone’s faces at the cookie party. I think Jesus must have a smile on His face as well to see our children sharing with and caring about others,” she says. Here are some other ideas to sweeten the holiday season for those around you:
• Bake cookies and share
them with neighbors or care home residents who can’t bake for themselves.
• Invite a new church member
or neighbor who doesn’t have family or friends nearby to your home for Thanksgiving.
• Set a slightly lower spending
budget for presents. Donate the difference to Adventist Community Services or another organization that makes an impact in your neighborhood.
• Volunteer to play games or
watch Christmas movies with seniors at a local care home.
Have you taken the Columbia Union Visitor survey yet? We want to hear from readers of all ages! Tell us what topics you want to read about, how you want to read them, and why. Let us know what inspires you!
MUSIC IS IN THE AIR
To find a list of holiday concerts throughout the Columbia Union territory— including annual, highlyanticipated concerts from the Washington Adventist University Music Department— visit columbiaunionvisitor.com.
THE 2024 CALENDAR IS COMING
A free gift from us to our members, this year’s Columbia Union Conference Calendar focuses on the union’s strategic motto to Empower, Equip, and Engage members to share their faith and Experience the Mission. One easy way to participate is by ordering additional free copies of the calendar to share. To order, call Pacific Press Publishing Association at (800) 545-2449, for just the cost of shipping.
BE THANKFUL!
It’s been long accepted that showing gratitude improves your personal outlook on life, but a study by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has found that expressing gratitude also provides the “witnessing effect,” which provides benefits to those who hear or observe others’ reactions of gratitude. Just witnessing interactions can help build the viewer’s affinity toward those involved.
We are about
evangelism. In his third quarter President’s Report, Dave Weigley reminded members of the Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee of the union’s central mission— evangelism. Noting the growing number of natural disasters in the United States and beyond, the president emphasized the need to empower members to prepare their communities for the times we are living in.
3,218
The number of Columbia Union Conference members who are currently participating in the union’s initiative, which invites members to take and hold on to a Bible and baptismal robe, while praying for a potential believer to accept God, receive the Bible and eventually be baptized in the robe.
THE REST OF THE STORY: Read full content at columbiaunionvisitor.com/upfront. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 3
UpFront
Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee members voted in two new associate directors at the September meeting. Cynthia Poole (pictured, left), associate superintendent for Education and director of Women’s Ministries at the Allegheny East
ACADEMY LEADERS GATHER FOR SALT
Conference (AEC), will serve as associate director for early childhood education in the Columbia Union office of Education; and Ruth Nino (pictured, center, with Donovan Ross, Columbia Union vice president for Education), who currently serves as the assistant director for early childhood education at the Columbia Union, will fill the position of associate director for elementary education. Poole previously served as principal of AEC's Pine Forge Academy (Pa.) and assistant principal of Potomac Conference’s Sligo Adventist School (now Takoma Academy Preparatory School) in Takoma Park, Md., among other positions within the area public school system. Nino is filling the associate director for elementary education opening left from Alison Jobson’s resignation this summer.
More than 150 student leaders and staff from many of Columbia Union’s academies—including Blue Mountain Academy and Waldwick Adventist School (pictured)—gathered this fall at Potomac Conference’s Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Va., for Columbia Union’s Spiritual Academy Leadership Training. “Our goal is not only leadership training, but also that it is always first and foremost centered in the spiritual training aspect,” says Jacqueline Messenger, associate director for secondary education at the Columbia Union Conference and event coordinator. “We need to have our students be preparing to not only lead in their schools and lead in their college years, but then come back home to us and be leaders in their churches.” Students not only mingled with peers from other academies, but worked with others who hold the same respective leadership positions. “This trip is just a reminder to me that the Adventist community [is made up of] people who really love God, and being in that environment with the same people of similar ages as me, I’m inspired by them to do better each day,” said Gianna Tetelepta, sophomore class president at New Jersey Conference’s Lake Nelson Adventist Academy. —Shannon Kelly
support for abuse victims
How Can I Help?
T
he church community can be a great support in cases of abuse, but pastors and lay leaders are often not professionally trained in this area. Michelle Perez, a domestic abuse prevention educator, shares some tips on what not to say or do when approached by an abused survivor. For ideas on best practices, read the feature on page 8. What NOT TO SAY to Someone Experiencing Abuse
• “God’s timing is perfect. Just trust His plan.” • “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” • “Have you tried marriage counseling?” • “Everything happens for a reason.” • “I can’t imagine him/her ever being abusive!” • “Why did you stay for so long?”
What NOT TO DO When Someone Admits Abuse
• Do not act as a mental health counselor. • Do not try to intervene between the couple. • Do not try to convince the survivor to leave or stay. • Do not turn your home into a shelter. • Do not put yourself in danger. n
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salt photo by esther hernandez, graphics courtesy the ellen g . white estate
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
Kids’ Corner DIG DEEPER INTO ADVENTIST HISTORY
Have you enjoyed the Adventist Heritage cartoons we’ve included in the Visitor magazine this year? If so, the Ellen G. White Estate and Adventist Heritage Ministries has compiled The Story of Anna Rice, a book about the life of Anna Rice and 15 other pioneer adventurers from the beginning days of the Seventh-day Adventist movement. This
compilation recounts tales of a hurricane, when potatoes preached, an embarrassing outfit, the most honest man in town and even a heavenly bodyguard. Call the Ellen G. White Estate at (301) 680-6540 to order a copy of the $2 dollar book, plus shipping, and scan the QR code for other pioneerrelated games, activities, lesson plans, books, stories and more!
SHARE THE LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS
The holidays are a great time to share love with our family
and friends. This Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has made it easy to share that love even further by helping struggling families all around the world through its Kids Gift Catalog. (Adults are welcome to give too!) For gifts starting at $5, kids can purchase chickens, bees, goats, meals or a well that will help support families through one of ADRA’s programs around the world. Visit adra.org/ giftcatalog for details on how you can be a blessing this holiday.
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE • At Christmas, we celebrate the ultimate miracle—Jesus’ birth. Ellen G. and James White, however, experienced their own miracle one Christmas Day too. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 5
Noticias
v. michelle bernard
Los miembros del comité ejecutivo de la unión de Columbia votaron recientemente dos nuevas directoras asociadas para el departamento de educación de la unión. Cynthia Poole (en la foto), superintendente asociada de educación y directora del ministerio de la mujer en la conferencia de Allegheny East, se desempeñará como directora asociada de educación para la primera infancia; y Ruth Nino, quien recientemente fue contratada como directora asistente para la
“Nuestro objetivo es la evangelización”,
dijo Dave Weigley, en su informe en una reunión reciente del comité ejecutivo de la unión de Columbia. Al señalar el creciente número de desastres naturales en los Estados Unidos y el mundo, el presidente enfatizó la necesidad de capacitar a los miembros para preparar a sus comunidades para los tiempos que vivimos. primera infancia en la unión, ahora será directora asociada de educación primaria. Poole se ha desempeñado como superintendente asociada en la conferencia de Allegheny East desde el 2010 y como directora del ministerio de la mujer desde el 2013. Anteriormente se desempeñó como directora de la academia Pine Forge (Pa.) y subdirectora de la Escuela Adventista Sligo de la conferencia de Potomac (ahora Takoma Academy) en Takoma Park. Md., entre otros puestos dentro del sistema de escuelas públicas del área de Washington, D.C.
Cosas Que Deberías Saber
Nino está ocupando el puesto de directora asociada de educación primaria que quedó tras la renuncia de Alison Jobson este verano.
LÍDERES DE ACADEMIAS EN SALT
Más de 150 estudiantes líderes de muchas de las academias de la unión de Columbia, Ashley Agustin y Judith Montes de Oca de la Escuela Adventista Waldwick de la conferencia de Nueva Jersey, se reunieron este otoño en el campamento Blue Ridge de la conferencia de Potomac en Montebello, Virginia, para la capacitación espiritual para líderes de academias (SALT, por sus siglas en inglés) de la unión de Columbia.
•
¡Marque su calendario ya! Visite columbiaunionvisitor.com para encontrar una lista de conciertos navideños en todo el territorio de la unión, incluidos los muy esperados conciertos anuales del departamento de música de la Universidad Adventista de Washington.
•
En la reunión del Comité Ejecutivo de la unión de Columbia de septiembre, los miembros votaron enviar $20,000 para las iniciativas de ayuda en Hawái luego de los incendios forestales en Maui que dejaron al menos 97 muertos. Los líderes de la unión animaron a los líderes de las conferencias a donar también.
•
¿Busca un buen recurso sobre salud mental? La iglesia adventista del séptimo día Emanuel presentó recientemente una serie en español sobre concientización de la salud mental. Mire la serie en columbiaunionvisitor.com o en YouTube.
Para más historias en español, visite columbiaunionvisitor.com/noticias. 6 | VISITOR November/December 2023
traducción por juliana savoy, foto de salt por ruth nino
EL DEPARTAMENTO DE EDUCACIÓN DA LA BIENVENIDA A LAS NUEVAS DIRECTORAS ASOCIADAS
BE INSPIRED. Download the brandnew AWR360° app! Inspiration and a full media library at your fingertips!
visit: awr.org/apps Let’s Connect!
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Adventist World Radio 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904
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The Hidden Harm of Emotional Abuse
By Becky St. Clair
H
Author’s note: The stories featured here may be difficult to read, as Seventh-day Adventists share personal accounts of abuse. 8 | VISITOR November/December 2023
e calls me useless. Lifeless. Disgusting.” Fatima* forces the words out, almost as though these insults from her husband of 30 years, who is also a church elder, cause her physical pain to repeat. She continues, “He doesn’t use my name anymore; he won’t even look at me. Recently he said, ‘I can’t believe I ever loved you.’” Fatima’s story is heartbreaking, and sadly it is not unique. Hers is an example of emotional and psychological abuse, often referred to as “the hidden abuse,” since it leaves no physical mark and is so difficult to identify. Domestic abuse is defined by the United Nations as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.”1 Though most often we envision domestic abuse being physical or sexual, it can also be emotional, economical, verbal, psychological, spiritual or even reputational. “We’re not talking about a one-time thing where someone says something they regret in
a moment of anger,” explains Michelle Perez, who spent many years in a physically abusive marriage and is now a domestic abuse prevention educator in Pennsylvania who spoke at this year’s Pennsylvania Conference Camp Meeting. “We’re talking about an identifiable pattern of repeated harmful behaviors.” Here are two real-life examples of abuse Perez has encountered. Rosa* had no access to her husband’s primary bank account. She had no idea what his income was or what her husband was doing financially. The only money she had access to was in a separate account he had set up for her with only the money he gave her each day. Sometimes that meant nothing at all. If Rosa’s husband deemed no errands were necessary, he took the car keys with him when he left for the day. Gabrielle* endured derogatory comments about her weight, skin color, hair and other physical attributes on a daily basis. Every morning, her husband forced her to do a weigh-in; if she weighed more than 137 pounds, she was not allowed to eat that day.
Perhaps one of the most extreme stories of domestic abuse survival in the church is that of Tamara Schreven, whose husband, a well-known Adventist evangelist, was severely emotionally and psychologically abusive. A few weeks into their marriage, Schreven accidentally left her curling iron on. In response, her husband refused to speak to her or even acknowledge her presence for four days. “His entire body language said, ‘You are repulsive,’” Schreven recalls. “When those days ended, he told me they were meant to teach me a lesson so I’d never do what I’d done again.” These “silent treatments” became a common part of Schreven’s life. Often, she would have no idea what she’d done to upset him, and there was no discussing the issue. When his prescribed silent treatment period was over, he would move on as though nothing had ever happened. “We never resolved anything, and I began to think it was all me,” Schreven recalls. “I began to believe I was the problem.” Perez says gaslighting—a form of emotional abuse that causes a victim to question their own feelings, instincts and sanity2—is extremely common in these situations. “You think there’s no way you saw what you saw or heard what you heard, because the other person says you didn’t,” she expounds. “You doubt yourself because this is the person you love.” Unlike physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse leave no visible mark, but they can be just as dangerous and physically threatening as the more obvious and recognizable forms of abuse. When Fatima went to the doctor for heart palpitations, tests revealed her heart was only operating at 40 percent. The doctor indicated this was due to extreme stress. Schreven, too, saw her health decline while in her abusive marriage.
“
The same stewardship principle which leads Adventists to talk about abstaining from smoking, drinking and unhealthy food applies to our mental health too. Being around abusive people is bad for one’s health.
Jennifer Jill Schwirzer, an Adventist, Florida-based licensed professional counselor, author and speaker, says, “The reason people overlook emotional abuse is because it’s not tangible, and we’re inclined to underestimate the importance of emotions.” She quotes the singsong phrase often repeated by children: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” and points out that this is undeniably false. “We say things like this simply because we are not trauma-informed enough to realize words and other forms of emotional abuse harm the nervous system,” she says. Most often, Schwirzer says, shaming and contempt are typically delivered through words. “We might wish we were impervious to shaming, but we are not, particularly from a person we’re close to,” she explains. “Shaming and contempt instill despair. Emotions are absolutely damageable.” Through tears, Fatima agrees. “My husband has never hurt me physically, but I wish he would,” she says, her voice breaking,
THE CHURCH’S ROLE Isn’t
• A substitute for law enforcement involvement • A substitute for mental health services • A substitute for legal support or advice • A judge Is
• To develop a response plan and be ready to implement it when needed • To help connect abusers with counselors and resources • To have relationship and mental health experts provide workshops •
and seminars To host book clubs using books on mental health Source: Michelle Perez and Jennifer Jill Schwirzer
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“because then I would have a visible reason for the pain. No one can see my pain, but I wear it, I sleep with it, I live with it.”
CHILDREN ARE AFFECTED TOO
Jennifer Benavides, a social worker and an Allegheny East Conference member, recently worked with her church to host a Mental Health Awareness Week. As her primary focus is working with children, she spoke about how to recognize mental health struggles in young people. “Kids see abuse in their lives as early as age two or three,” Benavides says. “It’s important to know the red flags, especially with those who can’t communicate with words.” After her seminar, Benavides says she was approached by several people, some church members, who shared their own experiences with ongoing abusive situations. “I had no idea this was happening within my own church,” she says. “Abuse of any kind can be hidden very well.” Perez says, “The first time I was asked to publicly share my story, I asked my kids how they felt about it, and they were wholly supportive. They said, ‘Mom, stop being silent. You don’t have anything to hide.’ It’s been such a healing journey for me and my kids.” Schreven shares, “No one should experience what I went
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DISPELLING 5 MYTHS OF ABUSE
1. 2. 3.
MEN ARE ALWAYS THE ABUSERS. Women abuse men too, especially when it comes to emotional abuse. IF THE WIFE SUBMITS, HE’LL STOP BEATING HER. His abusiveness isn’t based on what she does or doesn’t do.
COUPLES WHERE THERE IS ABUSE NEED MARRIAGE COUNSELING. In fact, an abusive person may exploit marriage counseling. Abuse requires, first and foremost, individual work and accountability.
4.
LOVE WILL CHANGE AN ABUSIVE PERSON. This can be true, but what is meant by “love”? True love will have boundaries and will apply appropriate consequences, such as, “If you hurt me, I’ll go away.”
5.
ABUSE IS ABOUT ANGER. Classic perpetrator-patterned abuse is actually more often about the desire for control. The abusive person doesn’t simply have a temper problem; they want to control the other and will use anger to keep them in line.—Jennifer Jill Schwirzer
through. I’ve never been an up-front person, but God has used my deepest pain to help me reach my highest calling. That’s a gift I want to help others receive too.” Perez adds, “For so many years, [abuse] was a taboo subject. No one was talking about it, let alone from the pulpit. That’s my mission. To be able to educate within the Adventist community and open their minds to how this can happen in Christian homes.”
WHERE CAN I SEEK HELP?
Finding and asking for help is usually not easy, even for individuals who attend church regularly and have what is expected to be a supportive community. When Lorraine* immigrated to the United States knowing no one, her desire to integrate into the culture led her into a relationship with a man who seemed to be the perfect fit. Several years later, Lorraine married him, had a job she enjoyed, friends, and was beginning to feel at home. That was until her husband asked her to move out of state with him and work for his company.
Lorraine quickly realized how isolating her new situation was. She knew no one outside of those she worked with at her husband’s company, and after two months, there was no longer a job for her. She spent her days at home alone, with nothing to do. “His daughter cooks his meals, takes him to appointments, manages his bank accounts,” Lorraine says. “He tells me he doesn’t need me.” She shares, “I talked to my pastor about what was happening, but he did nothing. He doesn’t even call to check on me. Maybe he could have introduced us to someone to talk to for counseling.” Fatima, too, reached out to her pastor and head elder for help. Their response: “What did you do to make your husband do these things?” Next thing she knew, her story was all over the church. “I thought the church would be a safe place for me, but I despise it. I hate it.” Even church leaders who do try to help often urge couples not to consider divorce—an approach with long-held tradition in Adventism as well as other faiths. The most oft-quoted scripture
in support of this approach is Malachi 2:16, where in most English translations God says, “I hate divorce.” Perez says, “Well, I hate divorce, too, and I went through it. But God also doesn’t want his sons and daughters controlled, demeaned, physically injured, and treated as though they are less than the family dog.” Schwirzer points out that many abuse survivors have been effectively cut off from money, friends, family and other means of survival. “The amount of support a separating or divorcing person may need can be scary to a busy pastor or church member,” Schwirzer
So how should individuals experiencing abuse seek out help? “They need trauma-informed care, and often that is not a pastor, unless they have special training,” Perez emphasizes. “It’s just not their wheelhouse.” Schreven says that in many cases such as her own, going to counseling as a couple—especially with a pastor—isn’t safe because the abuse can escalate. “Narcissists are so good at putting on a facade of being very charismatic and manipulative, that they can make the church think their victim is crazy,” she says. “In my opinion, it’s better to seek
Pastors may not be the resource, but they should have resources available—and that is something every church can offer. admits. “But the same stewardship principle which leads Adventists to talk about abstaining from smoking, drinking and unhealthy food applies to our mental health too. Being around abusive people is bad for one’s health, and this must be considered.”
counseling alone, outside of the church, with someone who doesn’t know you.” Perez likens seeking domestic abuse counseling from a pastor to expecting someone with no medical training to conduct surgery. She says that most pastors likely
mean well in their attempts to help and are simply trying to “preserve the family unit.” She says, however, “The problem is that with that method, the message to the abused is, ‘You don’t matter’ and ‘This is your fault because your prayers haven’t fixed the other person. Pastors may not be the resource, but they should absolutely have resources available, and that is something every church can [offer].” And for that, they need a plan. Perez has helped her home church create a process for when someone in an abusive situation comes to a church leader seeking advice, counseling or help. In partnership with the Family Justice Center, they created a step-bystep, scripted response plan. “We are not mental health counselors or attorneys,” Perez emphasizes. “We are simply there to help them find the resources they need.” * Pseudonyms 1 un.org/en/coronavirus/what-isdomestic-abuse 2 thehotline.org/resources/ what-is-gaslighting
NATIONAL RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline > 988 (call or text) National Domestic Violence Hotline > (800) 799-7233 Crisis Text Line > Text “HOME” to 741741 Haven of Hope > havenofhopeministries.org Ayuda > ayuda.com Identify abuse with the power and control wheel > tinyurl.com/identifyabuse
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Pastor Recognized as ‘2023 Leading Woman Under 40’ Claudia Allen, a volunteer pastor at the Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md., was recently honored as one of the 2023 Leading Women Under 40 by The Daily Record, a Maryland statewide newspaper. The ceremony was held at the Baltimore Museum of Art. “This year’s leading women are innovative leaders who don’t miss a beat. They juggle demanding careers, families, personal health and well-being, and community service, just to name a few priorities,” says Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing
director of The Daily Record/BridgeTower Media. According to The Daily Record website, “Leading Women identifies women who are 40 years old or younger for the tremendous accomplishments they have made so far in their careers. They are judged on professional experience, community involvement and their commitment to inspiring change.” Yolanda F. Sonnier, Allen’s administrator at the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity in Columbia, Md., nominated Allen, where she serves as the community outreach supervisor. “I am humbled by each of the individuals who wrote recommendation letters of support,” says Allen. “It’s a pleasure, a joy and a privilege to make a significant impact on people’s lives. May more of us dare to be a Daniel in our excellence in leadership, service to others and a commitment to social change.” Claudia Allen, a volunteer pastor at the EmmanuelBrinklow church, receives recognition as one of The Daily Record’s Leading Women Under 40, flanked by Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director, and Thomas Baden Jr., editor.
12 Hispanic Conference Pastors Ordained Toward the end of summer, 12 pastors within Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Spanish Ministries were ordained during a special service held at the Luther R. Palmer pavilion in Pine Forge, Pa. This marked a paradigm shift for the conference as it relates to ordination. “The ordination of 12 AEC Hispanic bi-vocational pastors marks a significant philosophical shift and corrects a long overdue oversight,” shares Gene Donaldson, AEC’s Ministerial director. “It now bases the highest affirmation of the church solely on the merits of a person’s proof of ministry and not on employment status.” Ordinands received tokens of affirmation from AEC administration and Ministerial departments, as well as greetings from Minervino Labrador, Jr., vice president for Multilingual Ministries at the North American Division (NAD). Labrador shared that it was a historic day for Spanish Ministries in the NAD. Ministerial spouses received a warm welcome from Arlene Harris, AEC’s Ministerial Spouses
leader, who presented gifts promoting self-care. Ramon Escalante, AEC’s Spanish Ministries coordinator, says, “The ordination provides an opportunity for us to be better equipped to serve and impact the church and community-at-large, and therefore more effectively hasten the coming of the Lord.”
Ramon Escalante (left), Spanish Ministries coordinator, leads a prayer of dedication for the 12 ordained ministers.
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Alvin Maurice Kibble, Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) fifth president and former NAD vice president, passed away August 11, 2023. A native of Chicago, Kibble began his educational journey at Broadview Academy (Ill.). He went on to graduate from a Seventh-day Adventist university and several theological seminaries. In 1971, he married Jewel Peck, a nurse and musician. Their union expanded to include sons Santo and Jason and four grandchildren. As a third-generation Adventist minister, his career began and blossomed in the AEC. He served several churches: Berea Temple church in Baltimore; Englewood (N.J.) church; Beth-el church in Jersey City, N.J.; Montclair (N.J.) church; First church of Paterson (N.J.); Calvary church in Newport News, Va.; Trinity Temple church in Newark, N.J.; and Ebenezer church in Philadelphia. Known as a true statesman and mentor, it was no surprise that Kibble was elected to serve as part of AEC’s leadership team. In May 1984, he was elected executive secretary before becoming the director of Church Ministries and Ministerial director in 1987.
In 1989, he became the president of AEC, serving through 2000. His impactful leadership was felt by many who served during his administration. “Elder Kibble was a leader who wanted the best for you and expected the best from you. He poured into you; you never wanted to disappoint him,” remembers Robert Patterson, former AEC undertreasurer and current treasurer of the Bermuda Conference. Gwen Bradford-Norwood, who served as Kibble’s assistant at AEC for more than 13 years, spoke of his love for excellence: “When Elder Kibble saw potential, he gave a person the opportunity to develop their skills.” Keith Goodman, a former AEC pastor and a current pastor in the Allegheny West Conference, says, “He was a great preacher. He was my first conference president. He was a statesman and diplomat. He was a trusted and confidential counselor. And he will be missed.” During Kibble’s tenure at AEC, he was credited with facilitating the development of its current core values, promoting the inclusion of all ethnic groups and hiring Lisa Smith-Reid, AEC’s first female pastor. Kibble joined the NAD in 2001, where he served as vice president for 20 years before retiring. Though he has passed, the fruits of his personal mission statement live on: “To live a full, rich, well-balanced, Christ-centered life of disinterested benevolence with eternity in view.”
Evangelistic Series Results in 31 Baptisms The Community church in Englewood, N.J., recently hosted a three-week evangelistic and community impact series under a tent in McKay Park. Jovan Whyte, Community pastor and evangelist, led the series, themed “Keep Hope Alive.” During the series, the church also conducted a health fair for the community. Local health educators, hospitals and care centers participated and provided resources on mental health, relationship advice and family counseling. As part of the series, they also conducted a back-to-school giveaway, delivering care packages to those experiencing homelessness, senior citizens and single moms. At the end of the series, 31 people decided to be baptized, including a Pentecostal deacon. “I love to see the joy that salvation brings,” says Whyte. “It’s an honor to be used as a vessel to win souls for the kingdom.”
Jovan Whyte, pastor of the Community church, celebrates with Tenneth Hinds and her two daughters, Hannah and Lily, after their baptisms.
Allegheny East Exposé is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny East Conference n P. O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-4610 n visitaec.com n President, Marcellus T. Robinson n Editor, LaTasha Hewitt
14 | VISITOR November/December 2023
photo by bachrach
Former Conference President Passes
First Things First
One of the most important principles found in Scripture is that of God being first. In Matthew 22:37–39, we read, “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (NKJV). Jesus’ greatest commandment is that God is to be number one in every category of our lives. For God, being number two is not an option. So, for those of us who insist on being number one in our spouse’s life, that goes against God’s teachings. When God is first in our minds, we are constantly seeking His wisdom, guidance and will for our lives. Furthermore, just as a spouse desires to be cherished and loved by their partner, God desires to be the utmost priority in our affections. He wants to be first in our hearts, where our deepest emotions and desires reside. When we love Him with all our heart, we are willing to surrender our desires, dreams and ambitions to Him, knowing that His plans are greater than our own. Just as a spouse desires to be intimately connected with their partner, God desires to be first in our souls. He longs for a deep and personal relationship with us. When we love God with all our soul, we open ourselves to be transformed, shaped and molded into the unique individual He created us to be. This commandment also reminds us that we are to extend the same love, care and kindness we have for ourselves to our neighbors. As we celebrate with family, friends and even strangers during the upcoming holiday season, let’s remember to be compassionate, understanding and generous. Let’s strive to make God the center of our holiday celebrations. I trust that our love for Him overflows, guiding our interactions with others and creating an atmosphere of gratitude, love and unity. During this holiday season, let us not only count our blessings, but may we be a blessing by loving and serving those around us. In doing so, we honor God’s Marvin C. Brown, III commandments and fulfill the greatest desires of our hearts. President
Shiloh Hosts Third Annual ‘Day of Blessing’ When Cincinnati Public Schools resumed classes this school year, hundreds of children arrived with backpacks and school supplies, thanks to the third annual “Day of Blessing” back-to-school event, held at the Shiloh church in Cincinnati. The “Day of Blessing” event began in 2021, when Shiloh’s pastoral team thought of a way to help school children get back on their feet after the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea blossomed, and two other churches—Christ Memorial Baptist and Allen Temple AME—joined the collaboration. In 2021 and 2022, the event was hosted at the Corinthian Baptist Church in Bond Hill, Ohio. This year, Shiloh hosted the event. Joined by the Corinthian Baptist, Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist, Christ Memorial Baptist and Zion Baptist churches, more than 900 families received backpacks, feminine products, toiletries and gift cards. The event also provided a first aid and health
screening table, barbers and hairstylists. Church pastors and members also offered prayer with community members. Shiloh and Corinthian Baptist plan to continue to grow their partnership to impact Cincinnati communities and provide free resources to as many families as possible.—Tiffany Forde, Church Communication Director
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Ephesus and CelebrateOne Empower Expectant Mothers of elders were present to offer prayers and support to any who felt they needed it. Some expectant mothers nervously shared they had been told their pregnancies were considered “high risk.” Others expressed their uneasiness because they were becoming mothers for the very first time. This baby shower was more than just providing material assistance; it was also intended to nurture and empower these mothers on a spiritual level. Ellen White writes, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people” (Ministry of Healing, p. 143). The approach embraced at this Community Baby Shower exemplified the very essence of Christ’s methodology: a heartfelt mingling with people, an authentic display of empathy, a commitment to addressing their myriad needs, and most crucially, the cultivation of trust and confidence with the community. Amid the celebration, one expectant mother revealed she was three centimeters dilated at the time. This unexpected revelation only served to underscore the urgency and relevancy of the collective work of Ephesus and CelebrateOne. By God’s grace, the Ephesus church, in partnership with CelebrateOne, showed what unity and compassion can look like—faith and love in action. —Keith S. Goodman, Sr., Pastor
Expectant mothers display gifts they received from the Community Baby Shower.
Spirit is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny West Conference n 1080 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229 Phone: (614) 252-5271 n awconf.org n President, Marvin C. Brown, III n Editor, Keisha Bone
16 | VISITOR November/December 2023
photo by keith s . goodman , sr .
In an inspiring demonstration of community unity and compassion, Ephesus Adventist Community Services and Ephesus Women’s Ministries, led by Michaela Rodgers and Tarshalla Hanks, respectfully, recently forged a dynamic partnership with CelebrateOne. CelebrateOne is an initiative that falls under the auspices of the office of Andrew J. Ginther, mayor of the City of Columbus. Their mission is to tackle head-on the pressing issue of infant mortality. Together, the two ministries at the Ephesus church in Columbus, Ohio, and CelebrateOne orchestrated a memorable event that served as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the transformative power of faith. CelebrateOne, renowned for its multifaceted programs and its data-driven strategies aimed at dismantling infant mortality within marginalized communities, arrived with brand-new diaper bags for the expectant mothers. In the weeks leading up to the Community Baby Shower, Ephesus members diligently collected essential baby items. From the indispensable wipes and diapers to some of the most charming baby clothes, these essentials were assembled into gift bags and put on display with the grace of a highend boutique. It was clear that this was not simply some charity event; this was a demonstration of love to afford mothers the dignity of choice, free from financial constraints. To go above and beyond, some members of the Ephesus church provided some brandnew car seats to ensure the safety of some of Columbus’ newest arrivals. The event hosted more than 50 expectant mothers and their families. The church’s fellowship hall was adorned with colorful balloons and table decorations. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and was made even sweeter with an array of refreshments. Adding a profoundly spiritual dimension to the gathering, the pastor and a member of the board
Wishing for What We Already Have Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two most festive holidays on the calendar. In these last two months of the year, extended family members reunite, decadent holiday meals are prepared and enjoyed, and the battle wages on for the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music! But during this bustling holiday season, non-stop advertising tells us to believe that our life experience lacks something. Deep discounts are offered to consumers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the 12 days of Christmas. Each promotional sale is designed to get us to believe one basic message: that our lives lack something right now, and to experience life more fully, we should buy now! While it’s always nice to save money, what is more important is that we are saved from an ongoing feeling that something is lacking in life. Being happy is what people will often say is their life goal. “I just want to live a full and happy life.” This concept is embedded in the very fabric of American culture today. It’s an American ideal that was uttered in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” However, living life to the fullest may not include happiness at every moment. The Bible introduces us to a much more elusive and unadvertised concept: contentment. When did you last hear someone say, “I just want to be content”? To our ears, that may sound like a downgrade from our “best life.” However, Oxford Languages defines being content as “a state of peaceful happiness.” No matter what we’re going through, whether exciting or challenging, contentment is always within our grasp, even when we’re not experiencing the happiest of times. The apostle Paul reveals a secret life formula to us: “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11–13, ESV). It’s interesting that these year-end holiday celebrations are set on the calendar before we even know what kind of year it will be. Will the economy be up or down? Will there be a new health concern sweeping over the globe? In the midst of the unknown, the commitment to celebration, regardless of life circumstances, gives us a hint of the principle that should govern our lives: contentment is not based on fleeting happenings; it’s based on a deciAndre Hastick sion. The secret to contentment is deciding to live in a state of gratitude and to yield to Executive the power and purpose only found in Christ. Secretary
New Hope Holds Health Fairs in Grenada Twenty-two members from the New Hope church in Fulton, Md., recently embarked on a mission trip to Grenada, aimed at not only providing immediate services but also building ongoing relationships with the local Grenadian community.
In collaboration with the Grenadian Conference, the New Hope team hosted three health fairs, offering locals free medical screenings and consultations. To ensure that every family member could benefit, the team also provided kids’ programming. Emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being, the mission team also presented several health seminars on various components of healthy living. A significant objective was to collaborate closely with the local Grenadian churches. This new partnership aims to bolster the local churches’ ministries and outreach goals in Grenada to minister to the broader community.
New Hope member Monika Korff (right) provides a medical screening to a Grenadian.
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Oregon Couple Travels to Spencerville To Be Baptized A faith journey that began online recently culminated at the Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md., as Catherine Hillerman and Jarrett Hendricks, a married couple from Oregon, flew across the country to be baptized at the church that helped lead them to Christ during the pandemic. The couple, who go by the names Cat and Jett, had dabbled in various faith traditions and New Age spirituality, but during the pandemic, Cat felt a sudden urge to read the Bible, despite not even owning one at the time. As she read the Bible more, she searched for additional resources online, eventually leading them to the Spencerville church’s online worship broadcasts. They quickly became regular viewers and began to feel part of the Spencerville church community, even from thousands of miles away. When Chad Stuart, senior pastor of Spencerville, began promoting Connect Groups during his messages, the couple believed God was urging them to take this next step. To their delight, they discovered a hybrid Sabbath School class that enabled them to participate in a weekly Bible study through Zoom. The couple joined the group and quickly developed friendships with the other members. As the pandemic restrictions subsided, the couple began looking for a local church in Oregon
they could attend in person. They started attending the Sandy church and decided that they wanted to become members. However, the couple felt a deep desire to return to where their spiritual journey began, so they trekked across the United States to Spencerville where Kandace Zollman (pictured below, center), Spencerville pastor for Nurture and Visitation, baptized them, with members of their hybrid Sabbath School class occupying the front row. “Online ministry is real ministry,” says Jason Lombard, Spencerville pastor for Media and Communication. “We’re thankful that Spencerville church had the privilege of being a part of Cat and Jett’s spiritual journey!”
Arunan Appointed Associate Ministerial Director Members of the Chesapeake Conference Executive Committee recently voted to appoint Shelvan Arunan as associate Ministerial director, creating a new position aimed at providing additional support and training resources for pastors and local church leaders. Arunan, an experienced pastor, chaplain and counselor, with doctorates in Pastoral Counseling and Family and Organizational Psychology, most recently served as the pastor of the Calvary Southern Asian and Mizo churches in Burtonsville, Md. “As the conference has grown, so have the needs of our pastors, churches and lay members when it comes to leadership training, mentoring and equipping people for ministry,” says Jerry Lutz, conference
president. “In recent years, the scope of the work has exceeded the ability and availability of one person to continue to effectively meet the demands of our pastoral team and the nearly 18,000 members they serve in our 102 church entities.” Arunan brings decades of ministry, counseling and leadership experience, including 36 years in the health care system. His new responsibilities will include teaching Clinical Pastoral Education courses, providing crisis and trauma intervention training, and conducting conflict management training and intervention. He will also serve as the conference’s Prison Ministries coordinator. Lutz adds, “With the addition of Dr. Arunan to the department, not only will current pastoral needs be better addressed, but new opportunities may be explored and pursued to further advance the mission of our conference.”
Currents is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference n 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 n ccosda.org n President, Jerry Lutz n Editor, Evan Knott
18 | VISITOR November/December 2023
A Small Child Leads Her Family to Christ
photo by jenny rodriguez
It all started one Sunday in May 2023, when Katie King asked her mother, Amy Perdue, to go to church with her and Brayleigh Lafferty—King’s niece/ Perdue’s granddaughter. As Perdue agreed to go with her daughter and granddaughter, she had a feeling that God was calling her back home. Perdue, King and Lafferty attended services at the Summersville (W.Va.) church the Sabbath before Mother’s Day. Later that evening, Perdue was going through an old Bible and found a 20-year-old bulletin from the Summersville church. It touched her heart, as she felt God’s calling again. She had not attended the church for 20 years, but she was still a believer. Perdue, King and Lafferty started attending church weekly, and one Sabbath Lafferty requested prayer that “Pawpaw”—her grandfather—would come to church with them. Jackie “Pawpaw” Purdue was not spiritually ready to go back to church; he was in a very dark place and did not want to hear anything she had to say about church. One evening, as Jackie was passing Lafferty’s room, he heard her singing “Even If” by Mercy Me. She had lost her father recently and was by his side when he passed. Knowing what she had been going through since the loss of her father, Jackie was moved to tears. He broke down as he listened to her sing, and he attended church with the family the following Sabbath. God used a little child to bring Jackie and the rest of the family back to Him. They began Bible studies with Jaime Rodriguez, pastor of Summersville, and attended church services weekly. Rededicating their lives to God, on July 22,
Katie King and Rhea Perdue high-five each other after Jaime Rodriguez, Summersville pastor, baptizes them. Rodriguez baptized the Purdues and Lafferty. Two weeks later, Rodriguez also baptized King and Rhea Perdue—Lafferty’s other aunt. Since their baptisms, the whole family has become active participants in church service and other church-related activities. Lafferty has shared her gift of singing during special music, King has volunteered to do the children’s story, Amy has joined Women’s Ministries, and Jackie and Rhea have volunteered several times to carry the microphone around to church attendees who have comments during Sabbath School. Plus, Lafferty’s mom, Dinah Perdue, is currently taking Bible studies and volunteers at the church school. Lafferty plans to become a teacher and a pastor when she grows up. With her focus on God and with the support of her family and church, she believes without a doubt that she will achieve these goals—a perfect example of how “a little child shall lead them.”—Kim Hamilton, Summersville Church Communication Director
Jaime Rodriguez (right), pastor of the Summersville church, introduces baptismal candidates Amy Perdue (left), Brayleigh Lafferty and Jackie Perdue to the congregation.
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Sharing From God’s Closet The Elkins (W.Va.) church is blessed to be a part of a worldwide ministry called God’s Closet. God’s Closet is a nonprofit organization through the North American Division that donates clothing and bedding for children ages newborn to teen. Two to four times a year, the Elkins church opens its doors to the community and invites anyone and everyone to “shop” for children’s clothing, where everything is free. Their latest Free Shop Day was held earlier this year. The church welcomed to their facility nearly 450 people from Elkins and the surrounding communities. They gave away clothing, shoes, bedding, a like-new playpen, stuffed animals, a large selection of coats and other winter gear, Christmas-themed clothing and new items, still with tags. “It’s such a blessing to offer this ministry here in Elkins. God’s Closet is an awesome church ministry that can get everyone involved, from the youngest to the oldest members,” says Becca Jacko, director of God’s Closet in Elkins. “It’s a very real and tangible way to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. I know many families are so grateful for this service.” The goal of God’s Closet is to reach the Elkins community with the gospel. Seventh-day Adventist literature is passed out at every event, and everyone is offered free Bible studies. Several staff members
Elkins members Gloria Carter; Sherryanne Muir; Becca Jacko, director of God’s Closet; Elfie Edwards; Sean Jacko; Cheryl Jacko; Emma Jacko; Susan Frame; Larry Carter, Elkins volunteer lay pastor; Phyllis Curry; and Joe Stewart comprise the Free Shop Day team. have even taken the opportunity to pray with families who shop at God’s Closet. For more information about God’s Closet, visit godscloset.com, or find them on Facebook at God’s Closet–Elkins.
Toll Gate Church Hosts First Annual ‘Giveaway’ As a show of love and support to the local community, the Toll Gate church in Pennsboro, W.Va., sponsored a church “giveaway” earlier this year. The congregation’s generosity and group effort resulted
in what would have put many yard sales to shame. Advertising the free giveaway brought an onslaught of people, as cars stretched to the highway with a long line of people waiting for the doors to open. A literature table prominently displayed free books and Bible studies, and church members “planted seeds” that the Holy Spirit will water for a future harvest. The community’s response was even better than expected, as the guests expressed gratitude and appreciation. Toll Gate plans to make this an annual event and hopes to be known as “that church down the road that gives without expecting anything in return.” —Cindy McGill, Toll Gate Church Member
Shoppers peruse the free giveaways at the Toll Gate church.
Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor by the Mountain View Conference n 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 Phone: (304) 422-4581 n mtviewconf.org n President, Tim Bailey n Editor, Liz Bailey
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The Unknown Giver
The Bible tells us the story of a woman whose name is not known. She is famous for giving everything she had, even though she was a widow, and widows were among the poorest of the land during that time. Her testimony tells us the meaning of true giving. This widow had in her possession only two mites. If we translate that into today’s currency, two mites equals about a penny. Ellen White expounds on the story: “Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests, and He watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich brought large sums, which they presented with great ostentation. Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed. As the rich and haughty swept by, to deposit their offerings, she shrank back as if hardly daring to venture farther. And yet she longed to do something, little though it might be, for the cause she loved. She looked at the gift in her hand. It was very small in comparison with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all. Watching her opportunity, she hurriedly threw in her two mites, and turned to hasten away. But in doing this she caught the eye of Jesus, which was fastened earnestly upon her” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 174).
What can we learn from this story? First, the Lord is more interested in how we give than the quantity. The most precious offerings come from the most loving and cheerful giver. Second, the widow gave two mites to sustain God’s temple. The Lord also calls us to sustain His church and His mission. Third, we need to learn to trust in the Lord. The widow from the story gave all she had and awaited the Lord’s promises. May the Lord help us to give as the widow gave and to trust in the Lord as she did.
Carlos Portanova Treasurer
Health Fair Held at Tranquility Camp The New Jersey Conference (NJC) Health Ministries Department promotes balance and temperance for well-being, harnessing the benefits of pure water, fresh air and sunlight. To that end, Jean-Michel Etienne, NJC Health Ministries director, organized a health fair in September at the Tranquility Camp in Andover. Highlights included a training by a representative from LIGHT: Lay Institute for Global Health Training; lectures on diabetes and hypertension by a representative from the Hackettstown Hospital Atlantic Health System; vital sign checks by local church nurses; a cooking class by Delma Yorimoto, a member of the Wayne church; massage therapy by Dante Redondo, a member of the Princeton church; and a mental health lecture by Camelys Vincent, a member of the All Nations Community church in Union.
Speaker Ron Lynch from LIGHT talks about the benefits of health training, interpreted into Spanish by Rossana Benavides, a Hackettstown church member.
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Pathfinders Are ‘Strong and Courageous’ at Camporee Earlier this year, the New Jersey Conference (NJC) held its annual Pathfinder camporee, themed “Strong and Courageous,” in the mountain region of Andover. Thirty-four clubs with more than 1,000 Pathfinders and staff participated in multiple events and challenge relays planned for them. Carl Rodriguez, NJC’s youth director, states, “What gave the event a unique vibe was the worship team, led by our teen Pathfinders from the three Bridgeton area churches. In addition, the speaker,
Hugo Flores, added to the distinctiveness with his down-to-earth messages; he was a former Pathfinder who left the faith and returned after the death of his close friend. Today, he encourages young people to place their hope in God who loves them. We had more than 80 Pathfinders accept the call to be baptized, and two requested baptisms on-site.” Rodriguez adds, “We had a piece of heaven at our camporee with six of our major culture groups present. It was fabuloso!”
Hugo Flores, pastor of the Robbinsville church, speaks to more than 1,000 Pathfinders and staff at the conference’s annual Pathfinder camporee.
More than 80 Pathfinders accepted the altar call to be baptized at a later time.
Conference Celebrates 150 Sabbaths of Victories
What is 150 Sabbaths of Victories? The response to that question is easy; achieving 150 consecutive Sabbaths of baptisms is another thing. For almost three years—from October 2020 until August 2023—the New Jersey Conference (NJC) has baptized at least one new member into the fold every single Sabbath, even during the challenging times during the pandemic; the churches were closed, but not the mission. During that period, pastors and lay pastors held baptisms in a variety of settings, including rivers, backyards, portable baptisteries and bathtubs. By God’s grace, 2,024 members were added to NJC churches during the 150 Sabbaths of Victories period. Church leaders and members have witnessed God at work, as the Holy Spirit has been adding and continues to add to the church.
The New Jersey Conference has celebrated 2,024 baptisms over 150 consecutive Sabbaths.
New Jersey News is published in the Visitor by the New Jersey Conference n 2303 Brunswick Ave., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 392-7131 n njcsda.org n President, Jorge Aguero n Editor, Stephen Lee
22 | VISITOR November/December 2023
Small Church Membership Nearly Triples It is nearly impossible for a church to double or triple its membership after an evangelistic series. But the Northwood church in a suburb of Toledo, Ohio, with about 15 to 20 members in average attendance beat the odds, welcoming 54 new members through baptism following its gospel outreach. Kojo Twumasi, Northwood pastor, spoke for the event, themed “Summer Blast: Building Lives Around Solid Truth.” Besides the nightly messages, the church provided free clothes, school supplies, food, transportation, music, Vacation Bible School classes, snow cones, prizes, inflatable bounce house games and giveaways. Praising God, Twumasi posted on his Facebook page that the congregation is “a small yet determined” group that shared the Good News and met the physical and spiritual needs of the people in his community. “As a result, the Lord blessed us with 54 new souls. The Lord blessed us in a seemingly impossible place [Northwest Ohio] amongst a seemingly impossible people group,” he added. Twumasi commended the immense contribution of about 40 volunteers from the Northwood, Toledo and Parkwood churches. He also appreciated Bible counselors, In His Word Ministries, and others who prayed for the campaign.
Parents bring their little ones to the front for a baby blessing service at the Northwood church.
A newly baptized couple kiss after their baptisms. Responding to the post, Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, wrote: “What a blessing and joy this series was to these churches and their community. Good strong work, Northwood, Toledo and Parkwood!” During the campaign, Twumasi prayed for the sick, and when he invited them up front during an anointing service, more than 75 people lined up for healing. Twumasi also led a community baby blessing service. Community members brought seven babies to be dedicated. While the campaign touched the lives of many children and youth, the adults also received a blessing. Among the 54 people who were baptized was a 95-year-old and 82-year-old couple, who could not hide their joy about their new lives, kissing each other after coming out of the water. According to Twumasi, when the church organized the Vacation Bible School, they expected 55 kids, but it ballooned to about 100 kids. Twumasi’s father, Sampson, senior pastor of Columbus Ghanaian church, came to support his son during the baptismal service. Immediately after the campaign, Twumasi began a New Believers’ Bible study program.
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Camp Mohaven Breaks Ground for Youth Facility The leadership and members of the Ohio Conference held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of constructing a multipurpose pavilion for young people within its territory. The event, part of the 2023 camp meeting, occurred at Camp Mohaven in Danville, the conference’s camp and retreat center. The building project, under the theme, “Building for Eternity,” is erecting a facility to support the youth’s physical and spiritual development, which aligns with the vision of past Ohio Conference officials who purchased the 700-acre property in 1961. Bob Cundiff, conference president, who recently chaired a virtual meeting and shared the campaign vision with constituents, disclosed that one of the most common questions people ask him is what leaders are doing to keep the youth in the church. To him, what the conference has started will go beyond concrete and steel. He says, “Yes, we are raising money to build a building, but the erection of a facility is not the end goal. Rather, the end goal is to create an environment that provides meaningful spiritual experiences for our children. Raising our children to know and experience Christ is the single most important task of the Ohio Conference.” He reiterated that the building would serve as an avenue for kids to deepen their spiritual experience and to help them with mentorship, encouragement and training. Ted Huskins, executive secretary of the Atlantic Union Conference (Mass.) and campaign consultant from Coleman Stewardship Services, Inc., made a brief presentation about the project, saying, “We build buildings because they’re tools to accomplish a purpose. And the purpose is to lead young people to Jesus Christ so that they are in heaven with us for all eternity.” He appealed that every member of the Ohio Conference make a “faith-based sacrificial commitment” to achieve the project’s goal.
Led by Oswaldo Magaña (holding the mic), Ohio Conference executive secretary, shovelers Elias Esquivel (left), Camp Mohaven ranger; John Moritz, Mohaven committee member; Ayden Bianco-Gaines, “future conference leader” representing the young people; Bob Cundiff, conference president; Ken Franklin, conference Men’s Ministries coordinator; Julian Croft, summer camp staff; and Jo Ottinger, conference Youth Ministries director, break ground. According to Jo Ottinger, Youth Ministries director for the Ohio Conference, Camp Mohaven has become a center of influence for members who make decisions for Jesus and enhance their commitment. Some campers reported how Camp Mohaven impacted their lives. Natalie Reid testifies, “If it were not for Camp Mohaven, I wouldn’t be a Christian today. It was there that a youth pastor … talked me through my faith when I was at my lowest.” Virginia Johnson considers Camp Mohaven her second home: “I have made so many memories there, and I feel connected to God through Mohaven’s beautiful nature. My fondest memory is when my sons were baptized there.” Abigael Isoe says, “I made memories and bonded with other staff and campers.” The new pavilion with a gymnasium will provide a multifunctional space for large-scale events and other activities.
A bulldozer clears the land at Camp Mohaven for the new multipurpose pavilion.
Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference n 1251 E. Dorothy Lane, Dayton, OH 45419 Phone: (740) 397-4665 n ohioadventist.org n President, Bob Cundiff n Editor, Francis Tuffour
24 | VISITOR November/December 2023
Showing Gratitude Gratitude: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. (Oxford Dictionary of English). As the end of 2023 rapidly approaches, what are you thankful for? The top of my list is to be serving in the Pennsylvania Conference. Our family moved here about a year ago and have marveled at the amazing scenery and seasons ever since. While the beauty around us is becoming more familiar, we continue to be grateful for the new friends we have made and anticipate making more friends in the future. Our family being together most of the year has also been a tremendous blessing. I would be remiss if I did not include our overall good health in my list of blessings. I could go on and on. How about you? Let me also share a few of the things I am grateful for in our conference: • An office family that is truly committed to “Reaching Everyone, Everywhere” • More than 100 evangelistic meetings that reached our communities this year alone • The 340 new members who have joined our conference through baptism, as of September • Record offerings given to fund evangelism, including more than $430,000 during camp meeting • The significant tithe increase we are experiencing heading into December while prayerfully anticipating how God will continue to bless as we end the year • The strong financial reserves that have been maintained in our conference, with several months of assets held on reserve As the year-end approaches, what are you thankful for? Are you grateful for the church you attend each Sabbath? Perhaps now would be a good time to reflect on this and show gratitude by returning kindness with a generous gift to help meet your church’s needs, in addition to being faithful to returning God’s tithe. Let us unite together in being faithful to God and empowering the mission as we endeavor in “Reaching Everyone, Everywhere” Kevin Costello in Pennsylvania. Treasurer
Youth Department Offers Certification Training Course Have you ever been asked to serve in leadership but have not felt equipped to lead? The Pennsylvania Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries Department wants to support and equip leaders with tools that will help grow their ministries and impact lives. They have launched a certification training course held every other month via Zoom. Each session will include leadership training with breakouts for Children’s Ministries, Youth Ministries, and Young Adult Ministries. For more information or to register, talk to your local pastor or email jryan@paconference.org. The training is open to current leaders and those who are considering joining Children or Youth ministries in the future.—Johnathan Ryan, Associate Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director
Todd Casey, youth director, is one of the youth and children’s leaders who will be teaching classes for the certification program.
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Focus on Evangelism Transforms Pottsville Church In 2018, the Pottsville church had 55 members with about 25 attending. Today, they have grown to 87 and have welcomed almost 40 new members through baptisms and profession of faith. That’s a 50.9 percent growth in membership! What made the difference? “Members got back to the basics,” explains Lillian Torres, a Pottsville leader. “This meant being committed to following Christ’s method and Total Member Involvement. Our mission statement reveals this focus: Preaching the everlasting gospel. Making disciples. Preparing people for the second coming.” Their first goal was to become the safest, friendliest, most nurturing church. Welcoming people, caring about their needs and building relationships has become an intentional part of their culture. Discipleship has become a way of life for the church—not just discipling new members, but also growing members in a variety of ways like small groups, Sabbath School and sponsoring members to attend conference training events. The Pottsville leadership team also committed to evangelism. In 2018, they hired Lisa Arosarena, a lay Bible worker. It was part of their strategic plan to move from a maintenance mindset to a missional focus. As Arosarena began giving Bible studies in the community, she invited members to go with her. So far, 30 people have accompanied her and are now leading Bible studies too. Eleven are currently giving Bible studies and five others are using the
Prophecies of Hope video series to teach. More have committed to sharing the Bible since completing the Winsome Witnessing training. Arosarena shares, “As members heard how God is moving in their own community, at times I had more members offering to help than I had Bible students.” They created structure to support their cycle of evangelism that includes an evangelistic series each fall and connecting events throughout the year, like Dinner With the Doctor, Stop Smoking classes, “A God to Know” Bible study, and a revival week each spring. They started a Sabbath School class just for new believers—announcing it as an 11 a.m. Bible study—and have had community visitors attend. Before every event, members gather to pray for five to 10 days. As a result, they are seeing more guests and members at each event. They have more than 800 interests in their database and are committed to following up every lead consistently. At their evangelistic meeting in 2022, 48 percent of those who attended the meetings were from that database. This fall, Yves Monnier, the conference’s Ministerial and Evangelism director, will be the speaker for their evangelistic series, and members are already praying for those they are inviting. Monnier says, “The Pottsville church is proof positive that if members roll up their sleeves and embrace the cycle of evangelism, the outcome will be amazing growth—spiritual and numerical.”
In 2022, the Pottsville church offered Vacation Bible School for the first time in more than 40 years; now it is part of their intentional plan to reach their community. Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference n 2359 Mountain Rd., Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 n paconference.org n President, Gary Gibbs n Communication Director, Tamyra Horst
26 | VISITOR November/December 2023
Conference Welcomes New Youth Director The Potomac Conference is pleased to introduce Williams Ovalle— a dedicated and passionate leader with a heart for young people—as its new youth director. With a decade of experience within the Potomac Conference, his journey to this role has been nothing short of inspiring. Born in Guatemala, Ovalle’s story is about determination and faith. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 16, seeking a better future. In June 2013, Ovalle answered the call to become a part of the Potomac Conference family as pastor of the Manassas (Va.) Battlefield Spanish church. Since then, he has tirelessly dedicated himself to nurturing the spiritual growth of young individuals. His vision as youth director is clear: to equip and inspire the next generation to become devoted disciples of Christ. He envisions a youth community that embraces its calling and actively engages in discipleship. Charles A. Tapp, conference president, says, “His passion, dedication and vision for our youth will inspire and transform the lives of countless young individuals around the conference. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on the future leaders of our church.” One remarkable aspect of Ovalle’s journey is his commitment to personal growth and leadership within the church. He holds the title of Master Guide, showcasing his dedication to Pathfinders. Outside his ministry, Ovalle cherishes his family time with his wife, Tatiana, and their three children: Vitaly, Matthias and Yana. He is a multifaceted individual who enjoys traveling, playing soccer, reading and, most importantly, sharing the message of Jesus with others.
photo by jose vazquez
Moving Beyond Paper
In a rapidly evolving digital world, organizations—including faith-based ones like the Potomac Conference—are embracing technology to further their mission and efficiency. One significant step in this direction is transitioning from paper documents to digital records. Potomac has embarked on a remarkable journey by digitizing more than a million pages from its Human Resources Department, a monumental feat that has streamlined access to critical information. With the simple touch of a button, a robust digital platform called Laserfiche, has enabled staff to retrieve information quickly. One of the most impactful changes has been the digitization of the employee onboarding process, which has enhanced efficiency and accuracy, ensuring all necessary documents are completed promptly. Jose Vazquez, vice president for Administration, says adopting BambooHR—a new HR program— empowers employees to “easily manage their personal information, request vacation days and access essential details, all conveniently through their smartphones. This shift toward digital tools
has increased efficiency and improved the overall employee experience.” The system upgrade could not be possible without the digital expertise of Tiffany Doss, Potomac’s document management director, and Claudya Barrientos, former conference clerk and Laserfiche expert. Potomac’s embrace of digital documents and technology marks a significant step toward a more efficient and responsive organization. By “moving beyond the paper,” the conference is making operations smoother and enhancing the experience for their valued employees in this digital age.
Digital files have rendered these boxes of paper files obsolete.
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More Than 500 Served at Tidewater Health Fair
An attendee gets his blood pressure checked at the free health screening event. who don’t have access to it and don’t have the money to get the care they need.” Six years ago, the Peninsula Spanish church in Newport News wanted to be intentional on how best to reach their local community. They brainstormed the idea of sponsoring a community-wide health fair. Initially, it was a small event, but soon other churches caught the vision, and they joined forces to expand the concept of reaching more in the community. Goel Gonzalez, pastor of the Peninsula Spanish church and four other Hispanic congregations in the area, says, “This event has been organized for a long time with the objective of reaching the community. Many English- and Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters have come together to focus on doing what we can to help improve the health of our neighbors. It gives us the opportunity to show our kindness and to let the people know that true healing and salvation comes from Jesus alone.” The health fair served more than 500 people and provided more than $170,000 in medical treatment. Organizers encourage other churches to get involved in this type of outreach ministry. You don’t need to have a church filled with doctors and medical staff. All you need is a team made up of volunteers willing to show compassion and love for their fellow neighbors, say organizers.
A child undergoes a dental exam at the Tidewater Adventist Community Health Fair.
Potomac People is published in the Visitor by the Potomac Conference n 606 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 886-0771 n pcsda.org n President, Charles A. Tapp n Editor, Debra Anderson
28 | VISITOR November/December 2023
photos by richard castillo
Representatives from nine Seventh-day Adventist churches in the Potomac and Allegheny East conferences recently came together to organize the Tidewater Adventist Community Health Fair 2023 in the Newport News, Va., area. The consortium teamed up with Remote Area Medical to provide free health screenings for residents in their local community. According to its website, Remote Area Medical is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics. Its mission is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free quality health care to those in need. Providers do so by delivering free dental, vision and medical services to underserved communities and uninsured individuals. Newport News was selected because the federal government identifies this Virginia city as a place where there is a significant shortage of available health care and health care professionals. Several factors contribute to the lack of health care: high unemployment rates contributing to a lack of health insurance; language barriers; and a high level of delicate immigration statuses. In describing their services, Brad Sands, Remote Area Medical coordinator, says the organization provides an array of needed medical assistance. “In dental, we provide hygiene, fillings and extractions. In medical, we conduct women’s health and primary care services. And in vision, we conduct exams and make glasses right on site. Our priority is to provide quality health care to those
One Student’s Story: What Makes This Place Different Sophomore Daniela Carrillo’s decision to attend Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) was driven by a quest for spiritual growth. “My family has always been Seventh-day Adventist,” she shares, “but since the COVID-19 pandemic, we haven’t been really involved in the church. Coming to BMA gave me a place that will help me grow spiritually. In public school, people did things that I really did not want to be around, like parties, drugs, vaping, alcohol, etc.” Carrillo is enjoying her new schedule and all the opportunities BMA has given her. In public school, her routine consisted of going to class, going home, and not much else. At BMA, her schedule brims with activities: classes, vocational education, the Ariel Aires gymnastics team, drama club participation and recreational time. She appreciates the focus on creation in Adventist education, spanning subjects like history, science and Bible, in contrast to public schools where science classes only teach evolution. She loves the commitment of teachers who start each class with prayer—no matter what the subject is—and believes this inclusion of God in the classroom is vital. Carrillo admits she tends to be an introvert but is stepping out of her comfort zone more and more because of the encouraging and supportive atmosphere on campus. The strong sense of community and support at BMA impacts in many ways. She’s now more social and is making friends who are trustworthy, helpful and who share her commitment to living for God. “If I tell my friend something,” she explains, “I know she’s not going to gossip or talk about me behind my back. I’m making friends who will always be there for me.” BMA has significantly impacted Carrillo’s spiritual growth. “I think that since I live here and we have things like worship every afternoon, I feel drawn to pray and learn more about God,” she says. “It’s definitely helped me grow as a person and spiritually because there are always people encouraging me.” Want to know how you can be part of the BMA Experience? Learn more at bma.us, or call (484) 662-7000.
Sophomore Daniela Carrillo (pictured second from the left), credits the encouragement of her friends, sophomore Lavinia Postiglione (far left); senior Stephanie Weberling (second from right); and junior Adriana Campos (far right), as one of the many reasons Blue Mountain Academy has made a difference in her life.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 9: Senior Dedication Nov. 3–4: Youth Rally with Guest Speaker Ivor Mayers Nov. 17–19: Junior Presentation; Senior Recognition Weekend; International Food Fair; Parent Forum Dec. 8–9: Christmas Concert Dec. 15–16: Power Weekend on Mental Health with Guest Speaker Jennifer Jill Schwirzer
The BMA Experience is published in the Visitor by the Blue Mountain Academy n 2363 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: (610) 562-2291 n Fax: (610) 562-8050 n bma.us n Principal, Burney Culpepper n Editor, Esther Hernandez
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Academy Experiences Revival on Campus Every new school year brings its joys, challenges and new faces. This year at Highland View Academy (HVA), it also brought the presence of Gem Castor, a missionary and prayer coordinator for ASAP Ministries, who led the fall Week of Prayer. Students were immediately taken with his exuberant personality, easy-going nature, genuine desire to spend time with them, and dear connection with Christ through constant prayer. This year’s theme, “Absolute Reliance,” was clear throughout Castor’s messages. He shared an abundance of personal testimonies and those of his acquaintances, and about the miracles and providence that will come when you lean on Christ in all things. Castor spoke transparently and joyfully about his faith, highlighting how real God is in his daily life. Junior Lissa Martins Godoi appreciated the fact that nothing Castor said was “too hard to understand; it was simple, real and showed that prayer works.” Freshmen Matt Dela Paz and Josua Stander emphasized how Castor’s fun personality brought them closer to God while broadening their view on the power of prayer. Castor shared story after story on simple prayers being answered, as well as seemingly impossible situations finding resolution because of total reliance on God. He challenged and encouraged students
and staff to simply place absolute faith in the power of God to provide, and his stories proved how willing God is to step in, if they just faithfully ask. Students were amazed by the real-life presence of God throughout Castor’s life and work, and they left the meetings longing to have such stories of faith, reliance and providence to claim as their own. Throughout the week, student after student saw the revival happening, felt the pull on their own hearts, and even encouraged their teachers in moments of frustration to pray for a resolution. Junior Dani Flores appreciated how Castor was able to “share his experiences while acknowledging and validating [her] own.” And it was this genuine, caring and accepting nature—one so clearly modeled after Christ—that reached the students so impactfully. After six days of worshipping, praying and fellowshipping together, the week culminated in a high Sabbath and agape feast. Nine students decided to be baptized, and nearly the entire student body made a commitment to support and encourage those who are actively searching for a more personal relationship and reliance on God. The HVA students said they were reminded of how real God is and are now excited to begin seeing Him work in their own lives because of their newfound dedication to prayer. “Prayer is the breath of the soul and the life of a school,” says Elijah Ramjattan, school chaplain. “Starting our year off with a Week of Prayer led by Gem Castor has proven to be a great blessing. Some of our students had never experienced prayer in such a tangible way. It has given an incredible boost to our campuswide spiritual atmosphere.”—April Lutz, History Teacher and Academic Vice President
Freshman Genesis Harvey and sophomores Madeline La Pierre and Gabi Villalobos bow their heads in prayer during the fall Week of Prayer. HVA Highlander is published in the Visitor by the Highland View Academy n 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: (301) 739-8480 n Fax: (301) 733-4770 n highlandviewacademy.com n Principal and Editor, Rob Gettys
30 | VISITOR November/December 2023
‘Be the Light’ Is More Than a Theme This year, with nearly 300 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade across five campuses—in partnership with all New Jersey Conference schools—Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA) has been richly blessed, say school leaders. Themed, “Be the Light,” this year’s focus is to strive to lead students, families and communities into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus. Webster Sterling, the school chaplain, high school religion and business teacher, and pastor of the Academy church, spoke at the first chapel service this year, reminding the students and faculty of the different kinds of light we, as Christians, can be for others. First, Sterling reminded LNAA that God’s Word is the most important light, to guide us as we move through life. Next, he spoke about a beacon light, which is used to point out danger along a path. Another light is the hurricane lamp, which is protected by glass so even the strongest storms can’t blow it out. By renewing our faith in Jesus, we, too, can withstand the strongest storms. A traffic light shows how we can encourage others (green light), caution others (yellow light), and help stop others from doing wrong (red light). The last light is the invalid light, which is used when an individual is sick and needs a calming light to provide peace for healing. The “Be the Light” theme showed up in other ways during the first week of school. The first Sabbath of the year provided an opportunity for the LNAA school family and the Academy, New Brunswick English and Lake Nelson churches to dedicate the new school year to the Lord, led by Sterling and Elisa Maragoto, LNAA principal and conference superintendent of schools. Individuals raised new flags in front of the school, symbolizing the New Brunswick English and Lake Nelson churches continued commitment to Seventh-day Adventist education. As part of the symbolism, the school staff and board and church members lit candles. Martin Forbes, pastor of both the New Brunswick English and Lake Nelson churches, offered a prayer of dedication over the teachers, students and parents.
Fourth-grader Zaria Sway holds a candle to represent the light of God’s Word. As the LNAA family strives to “Be the Light,” they praise God for continuing to broaden its territory, the partnership now expanding to all of the conference’s Adventist schools and providing Adventist education to high school students across the state. This year, LNAA welcomed its first international student, opening the door to a growth of students from around the world. The academy is also in the process of capital improvements to welcome more students to its campus and incorporate a wider variety of elective courses, hoping to include agriculture, woodworking and other hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. LNAA staff members pray that the students and families gain a closer relationship with God so they can “Be the Light” in their homes and communities. Webster Sterling, school chaplain, illustrates how to “Be the Light.”
The Legacy is published in the Visitor by the Lake Nelson Academy n 555 South Randolphville Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854 Phone: (732) 981-0626 n Fax: (732) 981-0770 n lakenelsonacademy.org n Principal, Elisa Maragoto n Editor, Ashley Boggess
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Academy Celebrates 48th Annual Alumni Weekend Pine Forge Academy (PFA) recently celebrated its 48th Alumni Weekend. At the gathering, the National Pine Forge Academy Alumni Association (NPFAAA) raised more than $50,000 toward the Worthy Student Scholarship Fund. In addition, the “Illustrious” Class of 1983 donated $40,000 toward the dormitory renovations, with 100 percent class participation, and established three $500 scholarships in the names of classmates who have passed away: Ollison A. Cheatham, Dawn Ervin and Katrina Britton.
Alumna Tiffany McNealy (’88), who established a scholarship to benefit students who wish to attend Pine Forge Academy, stands with her father, T. A. McNealy, and niece, Siobhan.
PFA thanks the McNealy family for establishing a scholarship in honor of Barbara McNealy, beloved mother of alumna Tiffany McNealy (’88), to benefit students who wish to attend the school. More than $25,000 has been donated so far. During the weekend, the NPFAAA honored Sydney Freeman, Jr. (pictured), a member of the “Magnanimous” Class of 2003, as “Alumnus of the Year.” He is a professor at the University of Idaho and a presenter/lecturer at Harvard and Oxford universities. During his acceptance speech, Freeman announced the establishment of the Brandon J. Williams Worthy Student Scholarship in STEM that will benefit students who show academic promise in STEM. The scholarship was established in honor of the memory of his classmate Brandon J. Williams. Freeman, his wife, and his nonprofit organization, The Liberation Movement, Inc., donated an anchor gift of $5,000 to get the scholarship started. Before the end of the ceremony, another member of the class matched the gift. To support and learn more about PFA, contact L. Germaine Cheatham-Hemphill at lgcheathamhemphill@pineforgeacademy.org or (494) 941-3203.
Academy Welcomes New Board Chair Pine Forge Academy (PFA) and its board are excited to announce that Gina Brown has been named the new chairperson of the board. A seasoned senior administrator and servant leader, Brown is the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University (D.C.). Prior to joining the academic team at Howard, for 12 years Brown held the position of dean of the School of Health Professions and Science and Wellness at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. Among her many accomplishments and accolades, Brown was recently recognized as a distinguished leader who has made an indelible mark on humanism in health care. She was one among four awardees to receive a 2023 National Humanism in Medicine Medal from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. Brown joined the PFA board in 2022.
PFA Post is published in the Visitor by the Pine Forge Academy n P.O. Box 338, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-5800 n Fax: (610) 326-5152 n pineforgeacademy.org n Principal, H. Clifford Reynolds, III n Editor, Tracey Jackson
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SVA Agriculture Is Immanuel’s Ground For seven years, local church members Bill and Cindy Champion worked to reclaim six acres of Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) property as plantable land. They hired student workers and operated a popular pick-your-own strawberry business. In 2022, when the Champions retired from the strawberry business, with the vision and generous financial support of a donor family, SVA purchased their equipment, took over their business social media account, and launched a school agriculture program. Expertly and thoughtfully led by Philip and Mindi Wiygul, SVA agriculture, called Immanuel’s Ground, has quickly become a meaningful part of campus culture. The program includes an Agriculture Science class offered for science credit. Nathan Onoffrey (’23) says, “I am thankful for the Agricultural Science class because of the useful information, tasty treats and good memories I make with awesome people.” Students are learning about gardening, healthful diet and living, and are developing an important work ethic. Student workers earn money to pay for school by working in the garden and running the garden market business. And the students share and eat the fruits of their labor in the cafeteria. Kevin Quintiana (’26) shares, “I love being hands-on, working with food and sharing food with classmates, teachers and friends. I enjoy hard work, and know it is for a greater cause.”
SVA agriculture, named Immanuel’s Ground, from the hymn “Marching to Zion,” serves as a reminder that this is God’s ground for the primary purpose of student Christian service and development.
Geography teacher and farm volunteer Mindi Wiygul, along with sisters Emma (’23) and Anna (’25) Short, create flower arrangements from Immanuel’s Ground to sell at the garden market. Additionally, a primary goal of the program is to provide students with opportunities for Christian service and outreach. Students have participated in produce giveaways to church members, faculty and staff, local first responders, and members of the community, in cooperation with Valley Fellowship in Edinburg, Va.—the SVA campus church’s new church plant. “This is challenging, hands-on work, as well as an opportunity for students to build relationships and encourage healthy living throughout the SVA and wider community,” says Mr. Wiygul. “They are realizing the benefits of a school farm that the early Adventist education influencers discussed in their writings.” Principal Don Short agrees. He says that SVA agriculture augments a distinctly Adventist Christian education for students that emphasizes real, not virtual, experiences; taps into the healing power of time in nature; seeks the profound spiritual lessons of gardening; delves into the scientific mysteries of plant life; provides healthy abundance for the cafeteria farm-to-table program; and ministers to the community by providing alternative, superior food sources. In practical terms, it means that students are thriving, working and building character while growing delicious and healthy food in the fresh air “Where Shines the Big Virginia Sun!”
Impact Shenandoah is published in the Visitor by Shenandoah Valley Academy n 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844 Phone: (540) 740-3161 n shenandoahvalleyacademy.org n Principal, Donald Short n Editor, Janel Haas Ware
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The start of a school year brings new challenges, opportunities and stresses. Establishing a solid foundation for success is paramount. Hence, the high schoolers at Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) began their school year at SAA’s annual high school spiritual retreat, focusing together on the promise found in Philippians: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (4:13, NKJV). The weekend retreat, held at the Mt. Aetna Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Md., provided time for students and faculty to build a foundation in God’s Word while creating and strengthening friendships in that spiritual context. Students had the opportunity to build those relationships in a variety of ways throughout the weekend. Matthew Mendez, a junior, says that he “really Students Tahlia Zaft (’24), Matthew Mendez (’25), enjoyed making a banner with those in his cabin, Nathan Thomas (’27) and Jamie Ngamije (’24) and appreciated the chance to bond with them.” engage in a team building game during the annual Others, such as sophomore Eli Benavides, “loved high school retreat. playing capture the flag and other games” because he “got to hang out and have fun with new people.” Throughout the Sabbath hours, organizers preto a spot where they were invited to view the stars pared activities to help students focus on deepening and contemplate the wonders of God’s creation. their relationship with Jesus. Emilie Rodrigues, a Highlights from Spencerville Adventist Academy “This experience,” says Rodrigues, “was a very junior, recalled the “night hike” as being particularly special moment. It ended up bringing me to tears meaningful. After sundown, math teacher John because I felt the presence of God in my heart.” Musselman led the students on a walk up a mountain LOVE TO LEARN Throughout the weekend, Kenia Reyes de Leon, LIVE TOYouth SERVE director of Chesapeake Conference’s and Young Adult Ministries, spoke to the students ALL FOR CHRIST from the Word on the importance of relying on Christ in all things. During the final Sabbath evening program, the student body responded as a group to a call to commit to Christ, an experience that senior Cata Stiehm says was especially impactful to her, as it showed that her friends and classmates were all in it together for Jesus.—Tim Soper, Campus Chaplain
Seniors Kristen Krueger, Natalia Couto, Katelynn Wilt and Leighvanni Kennedy bond at their final spiritual retreat.
Spotlight is published in the Visitor by Spencerville Adventist Academy n 2502 Spencerville Road, Spencerville, MD 20868 Phone: (301) 421-9101 n spencervilleacademy.org n Head Principal, Tissiana Bowerman n Editor, Heidi Wetmore
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photos by aiden zinke
High Schoolers Commit to Christ at Annual Retreat
The Importance of Teamwork Joining Spring Valley Academy (SVA) this year as the interim principal, I have united with a fantastic group of educators and support staff that form an awesome team. As I have been settling in with this new group, I have pondered a few things about teamwork: Trust is Built—By working as a team on achieving goals, dependability is recognized, and trust is built. This is important to the growth of all and the success of the endeavor. We are working together to bring out the best in our students and ourselves. Effort is Multiplied—On an effective team, the results and efforts of each member are not simply added together but are multiplied. Allegiance is Developed—As trusted members of a team that experiences successes together, we develop a sense of belonging and purpose as a part of that team. This allegiance to the cause builds greater trust and results in even greater accomplishments together. Meaning Happens—While we find our true meaning in our walk with God, we also desire meaning in our relationships and accomplishments. Being an integral part of a team can help us realize that meaning in our lives. I am not the only new member on SVA’s team this year; the academy staff also welcomes seven additional members. Months into the school year, here is
what they most enjoy about their new positions: “I love the team atmosphere of SVA, and that we work together to share Jesus’ name with each student and family.”—Cara Bussey, Kindergarten Teacher “I love getting to know the students and the energy and passion they have for life, especially when I see them have an “aha” moment about the Bible and their faith.”— Nicolás Chaij, Grades 7–8 Bible Teacher; Assistant Chaplain “At any time during the day, there are ministry opportunities happening everywhere on campus!” —Joel Greve, Chaplain “I love that I get to provide care for children in a school that is very dear to my heart. I also think it’s pretty great to work alongside some awesome individuals.”—Nalyna Olson, School Nurse “[I enjoy] being able to openly share about my Lord and Savior.”—Paula Ottinger, Grade 3 Teacher “Having a great support team of teachers to work with.”—Allyssa Sharpe, Grades 5–6 Teacher “The energetic Christ-centered environment and seeing my two young sons’ big smiles in the halls!”—Nicole Wortham Starkey, Front Office Receptionist I am excited about working with this SVA team to further strengthen our commitment to what God has in store for our students, families and ourselves. —Spencer Hannah, Interim Principal
Spring Valley Academy welcomes new staff members Allyssa Sharpe, Joel Greve, Nicolás Chaij, Paula Ottinger and Nicole Wortham Starkey.
Cara Bussey and Nalyna Olson join the Spring Valley Academy team this academic year.
Connections is published in the Visitor by Spring Valley Academy n 1461 Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH 45458 Phone: (937) 433-0790 n springvalleyacademy.org n Interim Principal, Spencer Hannah n Editor, Vicki Swetnam
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Three New Teachers Join Academy This school year, Takoma Academy welcomes three new teachers to its team. New math teacher Mike Harvey brings more than 20 years of classroom experience. A native of Jamaica, he teaches PreCalculus, Algebra II and Geometry. He recently completed a six-year stint teaching middle school math at a local public school, which followed four years of teaching math at a local Christian school. This school year, Harvey is trying to “absorb the way of the school” to better understand its culture. “My mission this year is to understand and not to be understood,” he says. “It’s always been my desire to teach at our schools,” he says of Seventhday Adventist education. Earlier in his life, he was discerning the call to be a pastor, but over time, he has seen that “teaching is in line with my gifts,” he says. If you enter Orion Hunter’s classroom, be prepared to converse with him and his students in Spanish. After two years teaching Spanish in a local public middle school, he joined TA this school year. In 2020, Hunter earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations, and minored in Spanish from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. He became fluent in Spanish while studying the language at Universidad Nacional de La Plata
(Argentina) from 2017–18. Taking classes and conversing in Spanish day in and day out helped increase his proficiency to the point that he felt comfortable becoming a Spanish teacher. “The norm here is excellence,” he shares. He wants his students to take pride in their Spanish skills and to feel comfortable conversing with others using both formal and informal Spanish. The Fine Arts program welcomes a familiar face! Nina Hale worked at TA for two years as the office manager, planning staff events and assisting visitors, students and administration. Her creativity, organizational and interpersonal skills made her a perfect fit for the transition to art/ drama instructor. “I was blessed with this opportunity and have always loved working with children,” she says. “Art has always been a huge part of my life, and I feel honored to share my knowledge with these talented young people!” Enter Hale’s classroom, and you will see numerous sketches, framed artwork, digitally created images, painted canvas art, scripts, screenplays and even clothing for character props. The energy is palpable, the colors are vibrant and the atmosphere encourages imagination and curiosity. “More than anything, I want my students to understand that spirituality, art and drama are not mutually exclusive ideas,” she says, “and I want to help them find a balance between the three!” TA staff, faculty and students welcome these new teachers to the 2023–24 school year and are happy to have them as part of the family!
TA Today is published in the Visitor by Takoma Academy n 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: (301) 434-4700 n ta.edu n Principal, Yasmine Julien n Editor, Shaun Robinson
36 | VISITOR November/December 2023
Care. Compassion. Community.
God’s Promise To Us and Through Us Some of the most encouraging words in the Bible are when God promises: “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you” (Isa. 43:2, TLB). This verse speaks to the inevitable truth that we will face challenges in our lives, but God lovingly commits to be with us always. In fact, throughout the Bible, God offers a steadfast connection on a very personal level. Even when we might feel alone or vulnerable, we can remember God’s vow. Things might get tough, but knowing that God also experiences loss, heartbreak, betrayal and pain can give us confidence that we can turn to God for strength and comfort every step of the way. But the connection doesn’t stop there. As healthcare workers, we are also by the side of our patients when they are faced with “great trouble.” Accordingly, when we serve we become one of God’s channels for providing healing and comfort. We are the tangible expression of God’s promise as we live out our Mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. What a blessing to be both blessed by God directly and to serve as a way for God to work through our hands to heal, comfort and support others! Strengthened by God’s abiding love, we are then able to extend compassionate service to patients entrusted to our care, to their families and to our community. And as we know, being assured of heartfelt, high-quality care during life’s most vulnerable moments can be a source of hope and lead to the best outcomes. May you feel the deep well of love and strength promised to each of us that – no matter the challenges – a caring God is always present to help us and to help others through us.
Terry Forde President and CEO Adventist HealthCare
Adventist HealthCare Earns Top Honors for Social Responsibility and Racial Inclusivity Adventist HealthCare’s three acute-care hospitals were each honored on the Lown Institute’s 2023–24 Hospitals Index of the country’s most socially responsible hospitals. A national nonpartisan healthcare think tank, Lown analyzed over 3,600 hospitals in the nation to provide a holistic evaluation of hospital performance across health equity, value of care and patient outcomes to shed insight on which hospitals are exemplary community partners. Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center was named No. 1 in Maryland in three major metrics: Social Responsibility, Health Equity and Community Benefit. This impressive triple recognition is a testament to the hospital’s unwavering commitment to serving the community in ways that earned top marks in inclusivity, clinical outcomes, patient safety, health equity, cost efficiency and community benefit. Of special note was the hospital’s strong performance on financial assistance spending, service of Medicaid patients and investing in community health needs. Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center was named named No. 1 in Maryland for Racial Inclusivity. Disparities in healthcare outcomes and access are well-documented in communities of color, including higher rates of chronic conditions, lower life expectancy and lower rates of private insurance. This honor shows Fort Washington Medical Center’s commitment to serve more patients of color than expected – based on the demographics of their service area, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage claims and data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center was also honored with high marks for the hospital’s investment in community health, cost efficiency and clinical outcomes. Overall, Adventist HealthCare earned an “A” Grade in Social Responsibility, ranking in the top 10% of all health systems nationally. The system performed especially well in health equity, community benefit and inclusivity areas. While most rankings just measure patient outcomes, the Lown Index looks at the full breadth of hospitals as care providers, employers and community partners. “When communities have access to socially responsible healthcare, our nation grows stronger,” says Vikas Saini, M.D., president of the Lown Institute. “That’s why it’s so important to hold up these high-performing hospitals as examples for others to follow.”
For more information about us, visit AdventistHealthCare.com/About
We extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.
Living Our Mission to Ex tend C–od’s Care
Where Healing Happens: Annual Leadership Conference Celebrates and Inspires Over 700 Adventist HealthCare leaders gathered on Sept. 18 for the annual leadership conference known as Mission in Motion. The half-day event is a treasured tradition – and leaders no longer take for granted the opportunity to connect in person.
current health system. President and CEO Terry Forde then outlined significant updates and strategies for the future, and was followed by panel interviews, testimonials and videos. Consistently, the presentations celebrated and affirmed that both frontline caregivers and support services team members are able to declare “I am a healer” for their essential roles in helping create therapeutic environments where healing happens.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Where Healing Happens.” The event started with a dramatic retelling of Adventist HealthCare’s history, making special note of the fact that the event was being held at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, a short distance away from the historic Washington Adventist Hospital founded by Ellen White that was the start of the
Standing Strong for Workplace Violence Prevention Adventist HealthCare takes the nationwide issue of workplace violence very seriously. Representatives from across the system meet regularly to determine what approaches and policies will best ensure team member safety – including several initiatives in 2023: In April, Adventist HealthCare’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patsy McNeil, Forensic Medical Unit Director Jessica Volz, N.P., and Emergency Department Nurse Christian Stone gave interviews with NBC4 to promote understanding. On June 2, in recognition of the Hospitals Against Violence National Day of Awareness, Adventist HealthCare partnered with the American Hospital Association in #HAVHope Friday. Team members posted photos on social media to boost respect for caregivers. In August, the system unveiled a strengthened contraband policy during webinars attended by hundreds of team members. Discussion centered on how to responsibly uphold safety standards and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) while navigating new risks, such as those arising from concealed carry permits and changes to controlled substances laws. In September, signage was posted on key doorways and in select patient areas to remind patients and visitors that Adventist HealthCare is committed to providing a safe and healing environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. By fostering awareness and partnership, Adventist HealthCare seeks to ensure recognition as both the best place to work and the best place to receive care.
Celebrating 50 Years of World-Class Home Care Services
Groundbreaking Innovation Powered by Generous Grant Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation, in collaboration with Israeli tech company Agado Live, will develop a new telehealth care and research platform to support patients with Parkinson’s Disease through a $600,000 grant from the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation. Starting this fall, the project aims to reduce healthcare costs and increase access to physical therapy by tracking rehabilitative progress and enabling real-time feedback to patients from healthcare providers through an innovative platform.
Adventist HealthCare Home Care Services has delivered award-winning medical care and supportive services for the past 50 years – enabling people to remain in their homes and avoid costly alternatives. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Adventist HealthCare is hosting the 50 x 50 for 50 Challenge: For 50 days, choose to do an activity in a creative way – such as walk 50 miles in 50 days or do 50 sit-ups a day for 50 days – to help raise $50,000. Invite friends to endorse your commitment at Give.Classy.org/HC50 as every dollar will benefit Home Care Services and patient assistance funding!
For more information about us, visit AdventistHealthCare.com/About
YOUR HEALING MINISTRY Kettering Health Newsletter
Calling Dr. Patel By Ben Riggs Get Dr. Akil Patel talking about his kids, and you’ll hear his fatherly pride. He leans forward, grins ear to ear, and has countless pictures on his phone. Get him talking about the human brain, and you’ll hear his child-like wonder. He explains it using his hands, eyes widened behind his thin, blackrimmed glasses, and has stories galore on his mind.
In November 2020, Dr. Lober called Dr. Patel. Dr. Patel had exposure to rare pediatric cases at Johns Hopkins. But looking at MRIs and CT scans from Guatemala with Dr. Lober, Dr. Patel wrestled to make sense of what he saw. “I don’t think this is doable,” he first thought. But after hours of deliberating, Dr. Patel envisioned their next move. “Maybe there’s a shot,” he told Dr. Lober. “Let’s do an angiography to see.” Dr. Patel mentally cycled through the remarkable images. “Can I even really help with this?” he wondered.
The 37-year-old vascular neurosurgeon knows a thing or two about the three-pound organ between our ears. From residency at the University of Maryland to training at Johns Hopkins and Seattle’s Swedish Neuroscience Institute, he has committed all his brain to understanding ours. “Every brain has its own roadmap,” he says. To navigate those roadmaps, he’s trained as an endovascular neuroradiologist. Like a cerebral cartographer, he maps the brain’s blood vessels using images called angiographies. He’s also trained as a complex cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, operating on the brain and its 400 miles of blood vessels. Dr. Patel’s familiarity with the brain and its blood vessels put him on Dr. Robert Lober’s radar. Dr. Lober, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Dayton Children’s, and his colleague Dr. Christopher Gordon, a craniofacial surgeon, were preparing to do what seemed impossible: separate three-year-old Pedro and Augusto, craniopagus (conjoined at the head) twins from Guatemala. Unlike other craniopagus twins, Pedro and Augusto lived conjoined at the tops of their heads. One was rotated 90 degrees, and they shared major blood vessels. Their situation was, by all accounts, rare. To treat Pedro and Augusto, Drs. Lober and Gordon first needed to know: Was it possible to separate the boys’ shared blood vessels?
He called his wife, Megha, confiding the strain between his willingness and uncertainty. “Sit down. Take some time,” Megha told him. So, he did. He studied. He called mentors. And he exhausted the available medical research. And Dr. Patel’s research swayed him enough to call Dr. Lober. “I think we can do this.” Dr. Patel knew early on this would take him beyond his comfort zone as a surgeon, beyond his familiarity as a specialist, and beyond his confidence as a person. But when he first saw Pedro and Augusto’s date of birth, Dr. Patel knew he would give everything to the boys. Because he is also a father. “The twins are only 12 days younger than my oldest boy. ‘What if my son were in that situation?’ I thought. So, I put it on my shoulders to say, ‘I’m going to give the best endovascular care I can to these kiddos.’” After four operations and 14 months of recovery, Pedro and Augusto returned home to Guatemala. A longer recovery process continues, involving plastic surgery and around the clock care. But now, they have a brain and blood supply of their own. (continued on next page)
Kettering Health • 3535 Southern Blvd. • Kettering, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • ketteringhealth.org
THE NEWS
Kettering Health Newsletter
Calling Dr. Patel (cont’d) Dr. Patel thinks about Pedro and Augusto often, especially when tucking his own children into bed.
But he shouldn’t be too surprised to have been involved. As Dr. Lober said in Connected, the documentary about the procedures, “If there’s one guy you want in this surgery, it’s Dr. Patel.”
The chance to be involved in this groundbreaking procedure isn’t lost on him. “It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime kinds of cases. I’ll always look back and say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe we did that.’”
And it wasn’t only because Dr. Patel knows his way around the brain and its blood vessels; it’s because he enters operating rooms with more than his smarts and a scalpel.
“Why Me?” to “Why Not Me?” Kettering Health employee Heidi Siens sits in an exam room with a swollen foot. It’s the week of Thanksgiving 2019. Waiting to hear her X-ray results from Dr. Nathan Beebe, and whether her foot is broken, she feels the air shift in the room. Dr. Beebe seems distracted as he reads her chart from the exam room computer. “Your breast biopsy results just came in,” he finally says. Heidi recently went for a call-back appointment after a routine mammogram, assuming it was a precaution. She has no family history of breast cancer and doesn’t have the typical risk factors. Yet, she has an uneasy feeling she’s about to receive news more severe than a broken bone. “Heidi,” Dr. Beebe continues, “you have breast cancer.”
A shift in mindset For the next 24 hours, Heidi asks herself, “Why me?” As she’s done many times before, she turned to her faith to find answers. After praying and reading her Bible, she reshaped her mindset to, “Why not me?”
“I knew in my heart that the Lord was going to use this diagnosis as a platform for me to minister to other women and contact other women,” she explains, “and really just be an encourager for screening and early detection.” Since then, she’s advocated for women throughout their cancer journeys. Through social media, Heidi shares resources, answers questions and offers encouragement. She even gives her time and money to help women schedule and get to their mammograms.
Ruler of the Jungle A diehard Cincinnati Bengals fan, Heidi merged her survivor story, football fandom, and passion for Kettering Health’s mission at the Bengals’ October 15 Crucial Catch game. The team partnered with Kettering Health to catch cancer early through screening and selected Heidi to be “Ruler of the Jungle,” where she led Paycor Stadium in the “Who Dey” chant before kickoff. She was also recognized on the field during halftime alongside fellow cancer survivors with a special bell-ringing ceremony. Heidi is grateful her cancer was discovered early. That’s why she believes so strongly in routine screenings. “Cancer could be in your body, even if it’s not in your family,” she says.
Kettering Health • 3535 Southern Blvd. • Kettering, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • ketteringhealth.org
Respiratory Care: A Growing, Vital Field By Ariana Jervis
As the world of health care evolves, numerous fields offer fulfilling, impactful career opportunities. One such field that gets overlooked is Respiratory Care. Often overshadowed by more familiar health care occupations, Respiratory Care is a field that embodies compassion, expertise and the remarkable ability to help people breathe with ease. With the rise of the pandemic, the world became more familiar with respiratory therapists (RTs) and the critical role they play in health care. But as the pandemic winds down, the need for RTs remains. Employment opportunities for RTs are expected to increase faster than normal over the coming years, and students are being drawn to the profession for a variety of reasons. Nothing is as automatic and instinctive to the human body than breathing. From the moment we are born, our respiratory system knows exactly what to do. What happens when that automatic function is disrupted, and breathing becomes difficult? Hope Appelbaum, MEd, Respiratory Care chair and associate professor at Kettering College, says, “When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. No matter what age the patient is—from the extremely preterm infant to the elderly frail adult, we help people of all ages breathe.” She points out Respiratory Care is a relatively new field, which began in the 1960s as new technologies were developed specific to aid breathing. The field has expanded since then, and RTs are given the opportunity to work in a variety of environments, including sleep medicine, hospital units such as NICU, long-term care facilities, ambulance transport, pulmonary diagnostic labs and many more, based on individual interest.
Many students are drawn to Respiratory Care because of their innate desire to care for others and work in the field of medicine. Some have personal experiences in which they or their loved ones have been treated by an RT, witnessing firsthand the importance of their work. Since the profession deals with patients from the waist-up, some students choose the field because it aligns better with their level of comfort, while still allowing them to work in a health care setting. Professor Appelbaum says, “Breathing is the most important thing a person can do.” And while RTs help patients breathe, their role extends far beyond administering medications or operating ventilators. RTs serve as compassionate educators, teaching patients proper breathing techniques and providing vital care, support and education to patients and their families. They are advocates for their patients, working closely with health care teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs, and they empower their patients to take control of their respiratory health and find comfort in the breaths they once struggled to take. More than an occupation, being an RT can be a highly rewarding calling. Our Respiratory Care professors at Kettering College have worked as RTs, making a difference in the lives of their patients. Now, as educators, they continue to breathe excitement into the field by using their passion to prepare the next generation of RTs for a career of dedication and service.
Kettering College | 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429 | (937) 395-8601 | kc.edu
news Making Disciples Jesus commands us in the book of Matthew to, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,” and He promised to give us the power to do so, but how? Through this media ministry, you are sharing God’s Word – making disciples – 24 hours a day. That’s huge! Thank you for your financial support, for volunteering, for telling others about WGTS 91.9 – in these ways, you are making disciples of all nations. We are also instructed to serve others. In Romans 12, we read, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” So, while we preach to the nations – while we serve others in love – also from Romans 12, we read we are to remain “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” My appeal to you today? Come closer to this mission with us – come closer to the ministry of WGTS. With clarity and with determination, let’s own this mission together and take it further into the future, deeper into people’s lives, and wider to more people. The mission? “We believe we are here to encourage everyone we encounter to take one step closer to Christ.” May God bless you, as together we all live for Him each day. —Kevin Krueger, President and CEO
WGTS 91.9 Hands and Heart Project: ‘The Great Cereal Box Drive’ WGTS 91.9 listeners have been restocking food pantries around the Washington, D.C., area this summer with “The Great Cereal Box Drive,” a Hands and Heart campaign. The station talked with leaders of local food ministries and discovered that one of the biggest food needs was for cereal. At every major event this summer, listeners generously donated boxes of cereal, bringing in over 1,800 boxes. The cereal goes to food pantries at area churches in both the Washington, D.C., area and on the Eastern Shore. “I think about how many families around the area will be enjoying a bowl of cereal donated by generous WGTS 91.9 listeners,” said Director of Promotions and Community Engagement Ken Scribner. “I am filled with so much admiration as I witnessed the ‘Great Cereal Box Drive’ being a Generous listeners brought more than 1,800 boxes of breakfast blessing to both the giver and the receiver.” cereal over the summer to help feed families throughout our region.
Over the summer, WGTS 91.9 employees, families, and board members surprised President and CEO Kevin Krueger with a celebration of his 10 years of service at WGTS 91.9 and 40 years of service in Christian radio. Board chair Charles A. Tapp and membership chair Celeste Ryan Blyden came together along with others to offer a prayer of blessing for Krueger.
2099 Gaither Road, Suite 105 Rockville, MD 20850 202.902.6000 wgts919.com WGTS 91.9 and WGBZ 88.3 are ministries of Atlantic Gateway Communications, Inc. Copyright 2023.
WGTS 91.9 has been named a Best Christian Workplace by Best Christian Workplaces for the fourth consecutive year.
CHARACTER AND VALUES OF GOD “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, not to be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and how He works fuss over these things, but you know God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met (Matt. 6:33, MSG). At the annual university colloquium—a gathering of all university employees—I intentionally requested a response from our employees on the following question: What compelling narratives should we create to define Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) commitment to living out Christian higher education so that we become a light of truth to students and the world? The overwhelming responses were in alignment with our existing core value of modeling the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The centrality of the love and other attributes of Jesus is what our employees have endorsed and are committed to modeling. With the clear understanding that the principles of Christian axiology are derived from the Bible, which in its ultimate sense is a revelation of the character and values of God, our learning community is committed to letting the light of Jesus shine before others, that our students and the world may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Students, faculty, staff and community members, our focus is and will always be on putting God first on our campus. Christian education welcomes all of God’s children. There is no better place to be than to be on a university campus that models the love, grace, forgiveness and compassion of Jesus. Why? “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6, NIV). This is Washington Adventist University. By Weymouth Spence President wau.edu
Honorees: Steve Francis (left) and Wintley Phipps (right), who also accepted the award on behalf of Diane Wallace-Booker.
Honorees: Attorney JoAnn Chávez, (left) and Adean King (right), a representative who accepted the award on behalf of Armstrong Williams.
AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE: Washington Adventist University’s 10th Visionaries Gala On Sunday, September 17, a sensational evening unfolded at the Congressional Country Club, where the luminaries in attendance illuminated the spirit of Washington Adventist University (WAU). By the conclusion of the 10th Visionaries Gala, excellence in leadership, resilience, journalism and education had been recognized and rewarded by Dr. Weymouth Spence, WAU’s president. This year’s gala spotlighted honorees such as Diane Wallace Booker, Excellence in Leadership and Transformative Mentoring Programs for Youth, Attorney JoAnn Chávez, Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy for Hispanic Youth Success in Higher Education, Steve Francis, Excellence in Resilience, Dr. Wintley Phipps, Excellence in Leadership and Transformative Mentoring Programs for Youth and Armstrong Williams, Excellence in Journalism, Youth Mentorship and Education Reform Advocacy. The event kicked off at 6 p.m., granting guests the luxury of intimate conversations and photo sessions while indulging in the delectable entrées from congressional’s catering. It provided an initial opportunity for attendees to mingle, setting the stage for the main event. By 7 p.m., attendees were seated in the main dining hall, captivated by the inspiring words from WAU representatives.
Informative program materials graced each table, accentuating WAU’s mission and encouraging guests to champion its vision. As the night continued, attendees expressed their optimism for the university’s promising future. Among the distinguished crowd, many were eager to share their insights regarding the gala and WAU’s overarching ambitions. “I was deeply honored by Dr. Spence’s invitation,” shared Chávez, senior vice president and chief legal officer at DTE Energy. “Though I was raised Catholic, I believe we share a profound connection in our desire to serve God. I particularly admire the campus’ commitment to timely student graduation. I truly feel my presence here tonight is the result of divine intervention.” She went on to laud the determination of the students, fueled by an unwavering belief in success, which she found especially striking during her interactions at the gala. “The dual dedication to their chosen professions and to serving God is indeed a formidable force,” she remarked. Chávez, also emphasized WAU’s commendable goal of educating more Latino students. “Considering the significant number of Latinos in this country, we’re eager to collaborate to ensure they access higher education and obtain the necessary degrees.”
Before his departure, NBA veteran and three-time all-star Steve Francis expressed his deep affection for his hometown of Takoma Park. “I’ve been privileged to witness the evolution of Washington Adventist University from a junior college to a renowned university. This gala showcased the institution’s global reach, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds.” “Mental health is paramount to me,” Francis revealed. “Many shy away from discussing personal challenges, and it’s a cause I passionately champion. Of course, enhancing athletic facilities is also a priority. Ensuring athlete comfort, both on and off the field, undoubtedly elevates their performance.” The evening was surrounded by warm sentiments and aspirations, leaving the WAU community filled with hope and anticipation for the future. By Giovanni Torrente
WAU Business Major, Honors Student and Soccer Team Player
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EMPLOYMENT UNION COLLEGE, Lincoln, Neb., seeks applicants for vice president for Enrollment Management. The individual is responsible for meeting the enrollment goals of the college and for strategically managing financial aid monies to achieve the college’s enrollment goals and overall financial goals. Oversees the functions of recruitment, admissions, student finance and the visit experience. Excellent benefits package, and tuition assistance for dependents provided. See full job description and instructions for application at ucollege.edu/employment. UNION COLLEGE, Lincoln, Neb., seeks applicants for director of Student Financial Services. The director is responsible for maintaining compliance with institutional, federal and state regulations and administering and managing a highly personalized financial aid process. Excellent benefits package, and tuition assistance for dependents provided. See full job description and instructions for application at ucollege.edu/ employment. PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE is seeking faculty positions for the 2023–24 academic year in the areas of history and music. Major duties include the responsibilities of assessment, planning, development and implementation of classroom experiences and course objectives. We desire those who will be committed to a collaborative working environment, as well as those who possess dedication in furthering the goals of excellence in student success and critical thinking skills. Most importantly, we desire those interested in bringing students closer to Christ by nurturing the whole person and embracing concepts for lifelong learning. If you are interested, please contact Human Resources at HR@puc.edu, or call (707) 965-6231. PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE (PUC) is seeking a full-time associate vice president of Finance for Financial Administration. Major duties include provision of leadership and guidance for all financial aspects of PUC and Howell Mountain Enterprises,
ability to develop and implement long- and short-term financial goals consistent with the mission of PUC, budget and balance analysis, and development of strategic tools and systems for critical financial and operational goals. Also, must work in conjunction with the vice president of Financial Administration in engaging the Board of Directors and other members of the cabinet in matters of finance, auditing and investment issues. For more information or to apply, please call Human Resources at (707) 965-6231, or visit our website at PUC.edu/campus-services/human-resources/ current-job-postings. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time associate vice president for Academic Administration and dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. Candidate should have a Ph.D. with a minimum of five years of successful full-time graduate teaching experience at the higher education level. Applicant will assume a leadership role in all aspects of graduate education and provide academic, administrative and strategic direction to Graduate Studies, Online Campus, and the Adult Degree Completion (ADC) Program. For more details, visit southern.edu/jobs. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time faculty in the area of Counseling for School of Education/ Psychology. A doctoral degree in counselor education from a CACREP-accredited program is required. Doctoral degrees in clinical or counseling psychology from APA-accredited program could be considered if applicant has been employed as full-time faculty member in a counselor education program for a minimum of one full academic year before July 1, 2023. For a full job description and desired qualifications, please visit southern.edu/jobs. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time teaching faculty member for the Department of Biology/ Allied Health, beginning fall 2024. Ph.D. in Biology who will teach upper and lower division courses and labs. Candidate should be committed to involvement with undergraduate
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students in the classroom, as well as guiding independent student research projects. Additionally, candidate should be a practicing Seventh-day Adventist believing the biblical record of the creation of life on earth in six literal days. For more details, visit southern.edu/jobs. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time engineer teaching faculty member for School of Engineering and Physics in the areas of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. The ideal candidate will be proficient in developing and teaching undergraduate engineering courses, including both lecture and laboratory components. Master’s degree in mechanical, electrical, computer engineering or related area required. Doctorate preferred. Prior higher education teaching experience and/or relevant industry experience preferred. For a full job description and desired qualifications, please visit southern.edu/jobs. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time program director to launch a new Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. The ideal candidate will be proficient in managing the CAPTE accreditation process, new program development and teaching graduate physical therapy courses, as well as clinical practice. In addition, the successful candidate will be committed to mentoring advisees, nurturing student learning both in and out of the classroom and disciplining students in Jesus Christ. For a full job description and desired qualifications, please visit southern.edu/jobs. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks qualified candidates for the following staff salaried positions: Academic Administration DHSI (Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions) project manager; Academic Administration DHSI Community Outreach coordinator; Academic Administration DHSI Retention and Resilience coordinator; associate vice president for Academic Administration; and dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. For more information, please visit southern.edu/jobs. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time payroll manager in the Human Resources Department. This position is directly responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for various employment types and across all payroll cycles, ensuring compliance with
tax regulations, denominational policies and best practices, while collaborating with our dedicated HR and Accounting teams. Open immediately; this is an exempt position with comprehensive denominational benefits and a supportive and dynamic work environment. For the job description and application instructions, visit southern.edu/hr. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks qualified candidates for the following staff hourly positions: landscape supervisor; head cashier/ interdepartmental invoicing; cafeteria supper cook; and alarm technician. For more information, please visit southern.edu/jobs. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time faculty in the area of Counseling for School of Education/ Psychology. A doctoral degree in counselor education from a CACREP-accredited program is required. Doctoral degrees in clinical or counseling psychology from APA-accredited program could be considered if applicant has been employed as full-time faculty member in a counselor education program for a minimum of one full academic year before July 1, 2023. For a full job description and desired qualifications, please visit southern.edu/jobs.
MISCELLANEOUS SEEKING A PLACE TO VOLUNTEER to share your hands and heart in service to the Lord? Join the volunteer team at Camp Kulaqua, located in High Springs, Fla. Bring an RV and spend a season with us. For more information, call (386) 454-1351, or email: volunteer@campkulaqua.com. HOLIDAY PROGRAMS: Fill your life and home with the Christian spirit of Christmas. LifeTalk Radio plays Christmas music all through December with special concerts nightly at 8 p.m., (EST), from December 21 through 25. Enjoy Christmas music 24/7 at LifeTalk.net.
REAL ESTATE FLORIDA LIVING RETIREMENT COMMUNITY: Independent living on 13.5 acres near Orlando, sunny beaches, golf courses, shopping areas and medical care. All renovated ground-level units. Florida Conference-owned facility. Call (407) 862-2646, or visit floridalivingretirement.com. FOR RENT IN LAUREL, MARYLAND: 1BR basement
Bulletin Board apartment for Seventh-day Adventist renter only: $1,300/ month or $1,600/month furnished. For more information, please call (678) 557-3932 or (404) 784-0269.
SHOP FOR NEW/USED ADVENTIST BOOKS: TEACH SERVICES offers used Adventist books at LNFBOOKS.com or new book releases at your local ABC or TEACHServices.com.
SERVICES
AUTHORS let TEACH Services help publish your book with editing, design, marketing and worldwide distribution. Call (800) 367-1844 for a free evaluation.
MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST, DAVID LEE, DDS, FAGD, AFAAID, FICOI, FAACP, has practices located in Silver Spring and Columbia, Md. He is extensively trained in implant, cosmetic, TMD/TMJ, sleep apnea treatment, sedation and laser dentistry. Dr. Lee is an associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, as well as having many other certifications. For appointments, call (301) 649-5001 or (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount on all services, excluding third-party payers. We welcome new patients! MOVE with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving and Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for your relocation needs. Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Call Marcy Dante at (800) 766-1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at apexmoving.com/Adventist. ELTERNHAUS ASSISTED LIVING, Adventist family-owned and -operated, provides specialized care for seniors in a family homestyle setting. Delicious vegetarian food, activities, Friday night vespers and a shuttle to church Sabbath morning, just to name a few of the many options. Check out our updated website, elternhausalf.com.
TRAVEL ADVENTIST TOURS 2024. Israel, March 10–19 with Andy Nash (optional Jordan and Egypt); British Reformation, June 9–18 with Greg King; Germany-Austria: Martin Luther to WWII, June 18–28; Thailand, June 17–26. From $1,950/person, plus airfare. (Customized group tours also available.) Contact tabghatours@gmail.com or tabghatours.com for full information.
OBITUARIES AUSHERMAN, LuRay C., born October 22, 1932; died October 21, 2022, in Morgantown, W.Va. He was a member of the Hagerstown (Md.) church. LuRay loved camping and traveling by motorcycle. He was an active member of the Frederick (Md.) church, and later became a member of the Hagerstown church. Survivors: Three daughters, Tanya Crummitt, Lori Anderson, and Katrina Tomanoff; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many motorcycle friends. BOYER-PATRICK, Judith Lea “Jude” L., born March 1, 1964, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and
Tobago; died November 15, 2021, in Ellicott City, Md. She was a member of the Capitol Hill church in Washington, D.C. In 1975, she graduated from La Sierra College (Calif.) with a degree in Music Education. She later obtained a master’s degree in Public Health in 1979 from Loma Linda University (Calif.). In 1980, Jude married Mark Phillip Boyer, and they moved to Lansing, Mich., where she attended Michigan State University School of Medicine in 1985. In 1989, Mark tragically died. In 1990, Jude graduated with her Doctor of Medicine degree. She then moved back to Maryland where she met Geddes Patrick, and they married in 1995. In 1997, they adopted a daughter, Sarah Jane, into their family. In 2016, Jude was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jude is predeceased by her father, Milton Nebblett. Survivors: Her husband, Geddes Patrick; daughter, Sarah Patrick; granddaughter, Althea Patrick; mother, Ivy Nebblett; brothers, Edwin Nebblett (Maria) of Quemado, N.M., and Milton Nebblett (Shaun) of DeLand, Fla.; sister, Marina Coleman of Lanham, Md.; sister-in-law, Dawn Wout (Josh); brother-in-law, Ronald Patrick; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. GRENCI, Beverly Spangler, born December 30, 1941, in Hagerstown, Md.; died January 9, 2022, in Hagerstown, Md. She was a member of the Hagerstown (Md.) church. She is survived by her six daughters: Ann, Theresa, Charlene, Michelle, Heather and
Cheyenne; and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. HAYDEN, Denise Francine, born September 17, 1953; died March 8, 2022. Denise received a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University (Mich.). She also coordinated and organized home and hospital visits, and wrote supportive tracts for Bible study. Denise’s husband, Melvyn Hayden, II, pastored the New Maranatha Karibu church in Jersey City, N.J., the Mt. Zion Miracle Station church in Wilmington, Del., and the Voice of Truth church in New Castle, Del. Denise was an evangelist and an ordained elder who taught, preached and conducted Bible studies around the world. She was also an author, as well as a developer and founder of JN Publishers. She produced Books That Heal, including the Miracles Devotional and Kid’s Tracts to Jesus. She also developed and implemented healing seminars. Denise was president of the Mayfair Homeowners Association Executive Board for 10 years; president of the Columbia Union ASI Chapter for 14 years; and a SBA SCORE consultant for the State of Maryland for three years. Survivors: Her husband, Melvyn Hayden, II; two sisters, Cecelia L. Thomas and Alicia Thomas; a brother, Lawrence Thomas; stepchildren, Melonique Hayden Williams, Melvyn Hayden, III (Donna); Tina and Nina; and five grandchildren: Tyler Williams, Adrianna Hayden, Melvyn Hayden, IV, Brianna and Cianna Hayden.
Sunset Calendar Sunset times listed below are for the cities in which our conference headquarters reside. For a full listing of sunset times in the Columbia Union territory, please visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/sunset.
Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 24
Dec 1
Dec 8
Dec 15
Dec 22
Dec 29
Boyertown, Pa.
5:58
4:51
4:45
4:40
4:37
4:36
4:37
4:39
4:44
Columbus, Ohio
6:28
5:21
5:15
5:10
5:08
5:07
5:07
5:10
5:14
Columbia, Md.
6:05
4:58
4:52
4:48
4:45
4:44
4:45
4:48
4:52
Lawrence Twp., N.J.
5:55
4:47
4:41
4:37
4:34
4:33
4:33
4:36
4:40
Dayton, Ohio
6:34
5:26
5:20
5:16
5:13
5:12
5:13
5:15
5:20
Hamburg, Pa.
5:59
4:52
4:46
4:41
4:38
4:37
4:38
4:40
4:44
Staunton, Va.
6:16
5:09
5:03
4:59
4:57
4:56
4:57
5:00
5:04
Parkersburg, W.Va.
6:24
5:17
5:11
5:06
5:04
5:03
5:04
5:06
5:11
columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 47
Visitor Magazine Columbia Union Conference 5427 Twin Knolls Rd. Columbia, MD 21045
This program is designed to prepare students for teaching careers in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Graduates may need to complete additional employment requirements for teaching appointments outside of the denominational system. 7600 FLOWER AVENUE, TAKOMA PARK, MD 20912 | 800.835.4212 | WAU.EDU